SMSgt. Franklin Charles Ward, USAF (Ret.)

Graveside services celebrating his life will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories where he will be laid to rest next to his late wife. A visitation will be held prior from 11-1:00 PM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home 5701 US Highway 277 S. in Abilene.

Franklin was born on July 8, 1934, to the late Semmie Ward and Minnie Lee Roulhac in Chipley, Florida. He grew up in Campbellton, Florida. Following graduation from high school he joined the United States Air Force in San Antonio, Texas. He was called to duty in 1954 and retired in 1980 as Chief of Fire Department at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. He served two terms in Vietnam. During his military career he was stationed in Florida, Nebraska, California, Oregon, Germany, England, and Texas. During his last term in the United States Air Force, he earned his Bachelor of Arts from the McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. After his retirement from the Air Force, he worked as an accountant for the Internal Revenue Service in Abilene, Texas for more than 20 years. Franklin married his wife, Yvonne Simmons from Hickman, Kentucky on November 26, 1969. They had six children. Yvonne and family traveled with Franklin (to) most of his duty assignments.

When not working, Franklin pursued his other passion, music. He loved to listen to music and loved to “play” guitar. He often filled his home with the sounds with everything from B.B. King and Buddy Guy to various Motown artists. Three weeks prior to his passing, he attended a Gladys Knight concert with his two daughters, Christa and Teresa. He loved how music connected people regardless of their place in the world.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jay; and sisters, Bobbie, Ethel, Dahl; son, Eric Ward; and daughter Mandy Ward.

He is survived by his daughters, Christa Ward, Teresa Ward-Maupin, Cheryl Marvin, and adopted son, James Mount; sisters, Janet and Shirley and many nieces and nephews. He has three grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and two “grandpuppies”. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to organizations of your choice that specialize in dementia or prostate cancer.