William "Bud" Ward

William “Bud” Ward , age 86, of Wellborn, FL, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2020 at his home following a lengthy illness.  He was born in Avon Park, FL to Bill and Thelma Ward on May 22, 1934.  They moved to Suwannee County in 1940 where he attended school until he joined the Navy at the age of 17.  He proudly served his country for four years playing baseball where he was known as one of the best left handed knuckle ball pitchers to play the game.

He met and later married the love of his life, Bonita Wood on February 6, 1957. At the time of his death, they have been married for 63 years.

In his younger years, Bud loved to hunt and became an avid golfer.  He never kept a score card but at the end of the round he could tell you what each player shot.  He also loved to travel and aggravate his grandchildren, who loved him dearly.

He was predeceased by his parents, Bill & Thelma Ward, his grandchildren, Scott Ward and Lindsey Dempsey and his three sisters, Dorothy Denson, Myrna Mills and Regina Williams.

He is survived by his wife, Bonita Ward, two sons, Cliff (Lynn) Ward, Greg (Donna) Ward, Becky (Warren) Adams and Amy (Chip) Shearer.  His grandchildren, Mandy, Lindsay, Jamie, Cindy, Brittney and Briana, one brother, Ronald (Patsy) Ward, two sisters, Pat (Jimmy) Jones and Diane (Bill) Barrett and six great grandchildren.

Visitation was held, Sunday, July 12 ^th from 4 to 6 PM at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held 11:00 AM, Monday, July 13, 2020 in the Tiger Lake Baptist Church with Brother Melvin Owen officiating.  Interment followed in the Crawford Lake Church cemetery with full military rites at the graveside.