Aug. 16, 2024
MILLEDGEVILLE Jerry Lee Ward, 76, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at home.
A visitation was held at Gray Memorial Chapel, 4378 Gray Highway, Gray, GA 31032 on Monday, August 19, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
A Celebration of Life was held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Gray Memorial Chapel, interment followed at 2:30 p.m. at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville. Pastor Dusty Elliott officiated.
Mr. Ward was born in Griffin, Georgia, to the late Curtis Harold Ward and Jeareldean Ward.
He lived in Milledgeville, Georgia, but previously resided in Gray, Georgia.
A veteran of the United States Navy, he was stationed at Mayport, FL, on the destroyer USS William C. Lawe (DD-763), where he deployed several times. He was a plumber for 50 years and was well known in the Central Georgia area. He spent many, many years competing in Barbeque Cooking Competitions in the Southeast, winning many awards and trophies with his brother-in-law Danny Justice with DAD’s BBQ Cooking Team. He was awarded 2nd place at Memphis in May Nationals. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being “Papa” to his 11 grandchildren.
Jerry was an avid John Wayne enthusiast, a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather (Papa). Mr.
Ward is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Cynthia “Cindy” Ward of Milledgeville, his children; Jerry Ward, Jr. (Jeanne), Dwayne Scott Ward (Becky), Brian Jason Ward (Brooke), John Wesley Ward, and grandchildren; Chandler Ward, Hunter Ward, Gavin Ward, Leah Ward, Logan Ward, Tristyn Ward, Sage Ward, Lexi Oliveros, Luke Oliveros, Belle Ward, and Tyson Ward, brothers; Leon Ward (Villa Rica) and Bobby Joe Ward of Sarasota, and sister; Gloria Justice of Gray.
Mr. Ward also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Curtis Harold Ward and Jeareldean Lee Ward; and his brother-in-law, Danny Justice.
Pallbearers for the service included Chandler Ward, Hunter Ward, Gavin Ward, and Logan Ward.
In lieu of flowers the family request that you make donations to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to The Family Hospice of Milledgeville and the team of specialist that provided the tender care for our beloved husband and father.
Gray Memorial Chapel is honored to be entrusted with the care of the Jerry Lee Ward family. You may express your online condolences at graymemorialchapel. com.
Jerry will be deeply missed by his devoted family and everyone who had the privilege of calling him a friend.
