William (Bill) A Ward Sr., 63, a former Lowell, Massachusetts resident, died peacefully with his family at his side, on Saturday, December 1, 2018, at his home in Jacksonville, Florida.
For nearly 50 years, including more than 45 years marriage, he was the beloved soul mate and husband of Debra A. (Stirling) Ward.
Born October 29, 1955, in Lowell, he was a son of the late George W. and the late Elizabeth (Sheahan) Ward. After being educated in the Lowell Schools, Bill served his country honorably in the United States Navy. He served during Vietnam and Desert Storm and did many tours across the United States including Hawaii and Guantanamo Bay Cuba. He retired as a Chief after 25 years.
Bill enjoyed telling his stories of life in the Navy. He also enjoyed time riding his Harley motorcycle “Pearl” and hanging with his fellow veterans at the Bayard Rooster Bar.
Most important to Bill was the time he shared with his wife, Deb at his side for nearly 50 years, along with cherished time with his son’s and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Deb; he is survived by their four sons, Stephen Ward and his former wife Rebecca, William Ward, USAF, (retired) his wife, Heidi, all of Jacksonville, Matthew Ward and his wife, Marlee Koenigsberg of Millburn, New Jersey, and Shawn Ward of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Zachary Ward, Liam Ward, Makenzie Ward, and Kara Ward all of Jacksonville; brother, Daniel T. Ward and his wife, Kathy, of Pelham, New Hampshire; sisters, Mary Ward Gray of Newburyport, Massachusetts, and Sharon Ward Lane of Richmond, VA; brother and sister-in-laws, James Stirling, Thomas Stirling, and Terry and Norm Marquis, and many nieces and nephews.
He was the predeceased by brothers, George Ward, James S. Ward, Gerald P. Ward; sister, Bettyann Ward; and son-in-law of the late James and Mary (O’Connell) Stirling.
Flowers are welcomed, however, memorial contributions may be made to Boots on the Ground at https://www.bootsontheground.org/donate/
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