William "Bill" C Ward

William C. “Bill” Ward, age 86, of Montgomery, AL passed away on Friday April 19, 2024, with his wife Nita and two children, Rick and Emily, by his side, at Baptist Medical Center South, in Montgomery, AL.

He was born on September 25, 1937, in the small community of Needmore, AL which is roughly eight miles north of Troy. He grew up in a loving family with parents Griffin and Myra Ward, and sisters Carolyn (Thompson), and Myra Lou (Thigpen).

He graduated with a BA in Education from Troy University, a master’s degree in education from the University of Alabama, and an advanced degree from Bank Street Graduate School of Education in New York City, (Manhattan) NY.

Bill married the love of his life Nita, in 1963 in Andalusia, AL, and they were married for almost 61 years. His family was the great joy and blessing of his life. “Pop”, as he was affectionately known by his family and many friends, put his children and grandchildren at the center of his life. He was also “Uncle Bill”, to many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

He was a devout Christian and set an example for others by the way he lived his life. For years he served as Deacon Chairman at Heritage Baptist Church. He also taught a Senior Adult Sunday School class for many years at Heritage and was beloved by all his class members. His level of preparation and organization was legendary. He trusted in God’s will, as a pathway for his life.

He was a devoted member of the Tom Randall Sunday School class at First Baptist Church in Montgomery. The friendships that he made there were very special and meaningful, and he treasured those relationships.

He had a distinguished career at the Alabama State Department of Education and was inducted into the Alabama Educational Leadership Hall of Fame on April 19, 1990. Following a brief retirement, he later served as State Director of Elementary Accreditation, for Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, (SACS).

He was proud to be from the state of Alabama. He was a passionate college football fan and loved the Alabama Crimson Tide. His favorite time of year was the fall, and Saturday afternoons cheering on his favorite team.

He was a true southern gentleman, and was described that way often, by so many friends in Montgomery. He listened attentively during conversations, and people always appreciated his sincere interest in what they had to say. There was not a better father or grandfather that ever lived. Pop was at every sporting event, every special occasion, and loved them all so much. Perhaps this is his greatest legacy of all.

He is survived by his wife Nita of Montgomery, AL, son Rick (Emily) of Cookeville, TN; daughter Emily (Keith) Newell of Montgomery, AL; grandchildren, Daniel Newell, Mitchell Newell (Sydney), EmilyAnne Newell Bose (Jake), all of Montgomery, AL; Jake Ward of Nashville, TN, and Katie Ward of Knoxville, TN; and great-grandson Carson Newell of Montgomery, AL.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday 4/25/24 at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home in Montgomery, with Dr. Jay Wolf officiating. Graveside services to follow.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Newell, Mitchell Newell, Jake Ward, Coston Allen, Jake Bose and Ward Thigpen. Honorary Pallbearers will be Roger Smith, James Coston, John Thomas Coston, Charles Thompson, and the Men of the Tom Randall Sunday School class. The family requests that memorials be made to First Baptist Caring Center.