Bill was born February 10, 1936 in Longview, Texas to William & Yvonne Ware. He was a graduate of Mississippi State University. On August 7, 1960, he married Margaret Ogletree, and they lived in Yazoo City, Mississippi for almost 10 years. After a move to Memphis, Tennessee in April 1970, Bill was employed with Mid South Bible College / Crichton College as Chief Financial Officer until his retirement in 2004. He was well respected for his organization, integrity, and influence on others.
Bill was an active member of Second Baptist church for 51 years, where he was a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, an excellent model of faith. He was active in his community as a Board Member for Brinkley Heights Christian Academy and an avid tennis player who participated in two active tennis groups weekly.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Thomas Ware Sr., his mother, Yvonne Matthews Ware, his wife, Margaret Ogletree Ware (June 25, 2014), and his infant daughter, Kathryn Ann Ware (February 24, 1963).
He is survived by his son, William Thomas (Tom) Ware, III (Karen), his daughter, Julie Ware Downs (Joey), and his granddaughters, Kate Ware (14), Emily Dorian (13), and Sophie Ware (9).
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers or other gifts, memorials may be sent to Second Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee or to an organization of the donor’s choosing.
Due to necessary CDC guidelines and Covid restrictions, a limited attendance service (100 attendees) will be held at Second Baptist Church at 4680 Walnut Grove Road in Memphis, Tennessee. There will be no visitation time, and the service will begin at 1:00 p.m this Saturday, September 11. The service will be broadcast via Live Streaming, and a video of this broadcast will be available after the service through 2ndmemphis.org, the website for Second Baptist Church.
A family graveside service will follow at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Road. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.memphisfuneralpoplar.com, Memphis Funeral Home 5599 Poplar Ave. (901)725-0100.
