Jerry M. Ward

Jerry M. Ward, 81, of Fort Mitchell, AL passed away late Friday evening, March 22, 2024, in the comfort of his home while surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Ward was born October 18, 1942, in Fairfax, AL, son of the late Lewis Ward and Carolyn McClenney Johnson.  He was employed with WestRock in Fort Mitchell, AL serving for many dedicated years before retiring.  He had the honor of serving as treasurer for the Mead Coated Board Federal Credit Union.   In his younger years he worked with Central Georgia Railroad that sparked a passion for learning about old railroad trains and steam locomotives.  That passion carried him throughout his life collecting a multitude of railroad memorabilia items.  He loved outside activities and working in his yard. He enjoyed traveling to the mountains and was passionate about the Alabama Crimson Tide. However, his greatest passion was the love for all his family.  He was a Christian and served as a member of Oswichee Baptist Church in Fort Mitchell.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm EDT Tuesday afternoon, March 26, 2024, at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City with Rev. Ralph Henderson officiating.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 pm EDT prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home in Phenix City.  Honorary pallbearers include Officers of the Mead Credit Union Board and longtime neighbor and friend, Tony Bailey.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jeff Ward; brother, Mike Ward; son-in-law, Jayson Giles, and two grandchildren, Joshua Pritchett, and Tiffani Ward.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Brenda Diane Gaither Ward of Fort Mitchell, AL; three daughters, Cathy Pritchett (Mark) of Salem, AL, Stacey Chambers of Phenix City, AL, and Dawn Giles and fiancé (Benny Knox) of Phenix City, AL; son, Steve Ward (Kara) of Thomaston, GA; daughter-in-law, Patricia Ward of Phenix City, AL; sister-in-law, Linda Ward of Smiths Station, AL; thirteen grandchildren, Kristen Pritchett, Jessica Windon (J), Lauren Bethune (Adam), Erica Ferrell (Ryan), Justin Ward, Abbie Rasmus (Cyle), Amie Ward, Amber Chambers (Jeremy Stokes), Lesley Drawdy (Wade), Dalton Chambers, Hunter Giles (Kenzie), Jack Giles, and Kirby Knox (Liz); fourteen great- grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many caring friends.