William Nathaniel Ward

Andalusia, AL — William Nathaniel Ward (Buster, Bill), 89, changed his address to Heaven on Saturday August 13, 2016. Son of William Amos Ward and Nora Inez Knowles Ward, he called Pea Ridge in Covington County Alabama home since 1926. Buster was a graduate of Pleasant Home High School and served in the United States Army. His tour of duty during World War II took him to Japan as a peacekeeper where he served as a rifleman and investigator. Buster became a born-again Christian as a teenager and spent his entire life as a faithful member of the Church (Mobley Creek Baptist Church in Covington County, AL; Sweetwater Baptist Church in Orlando, FL; and Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, FL). His work ethic and generous spirit blessed many in the communities he called home. Buster was the founder of the Mobley Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund. He also served for many years on the Building and Finance Committees of Sweetwater Baptist Church. Buster was a faithful husband, a loving father, and a committed friend. He was an avid turkey hunter and woodsman, carrying on a legacy of stewardship for the land “up home” instilled in him by his beloved uncles and parents. In recognition of this commitment, he was honored with the “Alabama Treasure Forest” achievement award from the Alabama Forestry Commission in 2007. Bill, as his business associates knew him, began his working life as a milkman. He was hired at entry level at Bishop Office Furniture in Orlando and worked diligently for 40 years. He retired as President after growing the company into a thriving business that served much of Central Florida. He is survived by his loving wife, June Wright Ward of sixty-six years; daughters, Cheryl Lynn Ward of Pensacola, Nina Ward Smith of Andalusia; three grandchildren, Rachel Charisse Ball Shamp (Tony), Aaron Ward Ball, and Justin Kyle Smith; two great-grandchildren Elijah Nathaniel and Corben Isaiah Shamp; sister, Doris Ward Haslam; and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother and father; sister Vera Ward Stokes; and daughter Joy Charisse Ward Ball. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday August 17 at 11:30am at Mobley Creek Baptist Church, Covington County, AL, with brother Terry Powell officiating. Public visitation will precede the service at 10:30am at Mobley Creek Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mobley Creek Baptist Church or Cemetery Fund. Faith Chapel Funeral Home, Cantonment FL, has charge of arrangements. You may express condolences to the family at www.fcfhs.com

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William Nathaniel Ward

September 16, 1926 - August 13, 2016