Mr. George Ward

Major Ward passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, surrounded by his loving family and caring attendants.

George joined the U.S. Air Force as a teenager and went on to serve as a pilot, flying both B-24’s and B-29’s during his exemplary military career. He treasured his time in the military and loved flying. George had many interesting stories to tell his grandchildren and great-grandchildren about his days in the service. After retiring from the Air Force, George went on to have a long and successful career in industrial conveyor equipment sales and continued working until he was 83 years old. While George certainly loved the Air Force and his career is sales, the most important thing in his life was his wife Carol who he adored and to whom he was married for 68 years. The amazing relationship George & Carol shared shines on today in the lives of the family they raised and enjoyed together.

George was born in Westborough, Massachusetts to George Joseph Ward, Sr. and Avis Folsom Ward, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by his much-loved son, John. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Carol Kirkwood Ward, his daughter, Georgia Corvin (Patrick) Birmingham, AL, Grandsons George Patrick Corvin, M.D. (Karen Corvin, M.D.) Raleigh, NC, Matthew Corvin, Birmingham, AL, and granddaughter, Francie Sansom (Bruce Sansom, DDS), Montgomery, AL. He also leaves behind great-granddaughters Courtney Corvin and Caroline Corvin, Raleigh, NC., great-grandsons John Blake Sansom, Patrick Sansom, Matthew Sansom, and Joseph Sansom, Montgomery, AL, and great-granddaughters Lexie Corvin and Taryn Corvin, Watkinsville, GA.

George was a dedicated and active parishioner at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Birmingham for over 40 years and attained the rank of Fourth Degree in the Knight’s of Columbus, the world’s largest Catholic service organization. He was more than a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; he was our friend and made a lasting impact on all those who knew him. George exemplified a life of purpose, honor, and generosity in all that he did. Simply stated, he was an unwavering example of Christian life.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the compassionate and skilled caregivers at Hospice Services of Alabama and “Right at Home” – especially our “Sunshine”.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in George’s memory can be made to the Air Force Aid Society at 241 18th Street South, Suite 202, Arlington, VA 22202.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 18 at Johns Ridouts’s Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel in Birmingham at 2:00 pm.