James William Ward, Sr.

Dr. James William Ward, Sr., 85, of Columbus, GA died Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at his residence.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, November 28, 2009 at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Reverend Jonathan Smith and Dr. Buddy Cooper officiating. Private interment will follow in Parkhill Cemetery according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Macon Road Chapel. The Family will receive friends Friday evening, November 27, 2009 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Honorary pallbearers will be Buford King, Lynn French, Michael Radcliff, John Radcliff, Eddie Horn, and Bo Ward.

Dr. Ward was born April 20, 1924 in Braselton, GA to the late Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Ward. He was a graduate of The University of Georgia where he was a member of The SAE fraternity, was a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia, and practiced medicine in Columbus for 47 years until his retirement in 1998. He volunteered for service in December of 1942 and received his commission as a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Dr. Ward was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Columbus, The University of Georgia Bulldog Club, and St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Dr. Ward was preceded in death by his mother, Sadie Belle Braselton Ward, his brothers, Henry O. Ward, and H. Brice Ward all of Gainesville, GA.

Survivors include his loving wife, Sara S. Ward of Columbus, GA; two daughters, Mary Pat King and her husband, Buford of Columbus, GA, and Libby Reames and her husband, Ronnie of Acworth, GA; one son, Jimmy William Ward, Jr. and his wife, Barbara of Hamilton, GA; two step-sons, Michael Radcliff and his wife, Katie of Fayetteville, GA, and John Radcliff of Sherman Oaks, CA; one step-daughter, Trish French and her husband, Lynn of Olive Branch, MS; a sister in law, Jean Purvis Ward of Gainesville, GA; eight grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Daniel Kosobucki, J&J Pharmacy, and Columbus Hospice, for all their care and support during this time.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 5116, Columbus, GA, 31906, in Memory of Dr. Ward.

Condolences may be offered at www.striffler-hamby.com.

Mason and Ward Funeral Home, Gainesville, GA. 770-287-0220