O. T. Ward

September 29, 1923 - November 3, 2016

O. T. Ward, age 93 of Graceville passed away Thursday, November 3, 2016 at his residence following an extended illness. A U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, Mr. O.T. was born in Midland City, AL. He was a 1942 graduate of Bethlehem High School, received his BA in 1950 at The University of Florida, and in 1980 completed his Masters degree from Troy University. He worked with Vulcan Life and Accident Ins. Co. for 12 years, taught Advanced Math at Chipley High School for 20 years and he then retired from Vernon High School after 5 years. Mr. O.T. was gifted and passionate with repairing clocks and had made several over the years. He was a member of New Hope Assembly of God Church and American Legion Post #42. A Celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2016, at 2pm at New Hope Assembly of God Church with Revs. Jimmy Williams, Johnny Jones and Johnny Shepard officiating. Burial will follow in Beulah Cemetery with James & Lipford Funeral Home directing. Family will receive friends at the church on Sunday at 1 p.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, family has requested memorials be made to New Hope AOG Church 1314 Bunker Road Graceville, FL 32440. Survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ruby Sims Ward, and family by marriage - Wayne Sims, Brenda Boyd, 5 Grandchildren, 17 Great Grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Children survived by Mr. O.T. & his first wife, Ruby Fowler Hatcher Ward are Helen Hicks and Fred Hatcher. Grandchildren - Richard Hicks, Chris Hicks, Jason Hatcher, Brad Hatcher, Jennifer Carter Appenzeller, Kerri Brooks and 9 Great Grandchildren. Preceded in death by Elizabeth Carter and Raymond Hatcher. Preceded in death by his parents James Bascom Ward, Sr. and Beulah Lee Dean Ward, first wife Ruby Hatcher Ward, nine brothers and sisters.