Albert Richard Ward

Albert Richard Ward age 71 of Commerce passed away Wednesday Jan. 6, 2016 at his residence. 

Mr. Ward was born March 12, 1944 in Athens to the late Clifton Albert & Ruth Miller Ward. He served his Country in the United States Army, then began farming in Athens, GA and moved to Banks County in 1978 where he owned and operated 4W Valley Farm. Mr. Ward was President of Banks County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Member of Banks County Planning Commission, Director and Past President of the Banks County Cattlemen Association. He served 18 years on the Farm Services Agency County Committee, and was the recipient of the 2015 Banks County Farmer of The Year Award. Mr. Ward was a member of the Blacks Creek Baptist Church. 

Survivors include, his loving wife of 43 years, Margie Strickland Ward of Commerce, daughters, Kelli Ruth Ward & Tracie Marie Wheeless and husband, Kris; grandchildren, Katie Marie Tuggle, Athens, Anna Nicole Tuggle and Joseph Noel Tuggle, both of Commerce, Elizabeth Ann Wheeless and Natalie Nicole Wheeless, both of Fort Valley; sister, Mary Ward Vaughan, Arnoldsville; Brothers, Daniel Preston (Bonnie) Ward, Bogart, Clifton Lee (Cindy) Ward, Gray Court, SC; and 11 nieces and nephews. 

Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm Saturday January 09, 2016 at Blacks Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Chad Rising officiating. The body will lie in state from 1:30-2 pm. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5-8 pm Friday January 8, 2016 at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Jay Jackson, Jay Tucker, Ken Cowart, Chris Ashworth, Jerry Gordon and Mike Seagraves. Honorary Pallbearers will be Banks Co. Farm Bureau Board of Directors. 

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to Blacks Creek Baptist Church, 3754 Blacks Creek Church Road, Commerce, GA 30530 

Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of the arrangements.