Richard Ward

WILLIAMSON, Ga. -- Richard Dwight "Dick" Ward, 88, of Williamson passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Brightmoor Hospice. He was born in Patton and was the son of George Alexander and Freda Miinch Ward.

Dick married the love of his life, Iris Jeanine Knight, and the two soon moved from Cape Girardeau to Georgia, when Dick became a pilot for Delta Airlines.

He loved to fly with his whole being and saw his job as his playground in the sky instead of work. Between trips, he farmed his land and was an active member of Williamson Methodist Church and served on the Pike County Board of Education for approximately 13 years. He was a staunch conservative and an extraordinary man and role model for his family. He also served in the U.S. Air Force for four years during peacetime and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

Dick Ward checked off all the boxes of his bucket list and left this world "with his boots on". No regrets. A novice photographer, he photographed 1,000 beautiful sunsets and sunrises and took pictures around the world, including the Irish Cliffs of Moher, the Vatican, the Kremlin, Barcelona, Germany, Paris, England, Korea, Hawaii and many more, taking Jeanine on many international trips before his retirement. He was a captain with Delta Airlines for 33 years. Besides the airstrip on the family property, there is also a remote-control aircraft field named for him -- Ward Field, launching a few new lovers of flight.

Dick is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Jeanine Ward, and a sister, Sandy (John) Smith. He was a dedicated and loving father to his children, Terri Ward (John) Patterson, Rick (Julie) Ward and Tammy Ward (Greg) Deluzio. He was a great inspiration and role model to his surviving grandchildren, Taylor Hardy, Daniel Deluzio, Gavin Ward, Preston Ward, Jake Patterson and Allie Patterson. He is also survived by his niece, Rebecca Smith, and his nephew, John Smith, as well as several great-stepgrandchildren.

Friends may join the family for the visitation at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at Williamson Methodist Church.

The funeral will also be at the church beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16. The burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

Dick's family and friends were blessed to have him in their lives, even though he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's some 13 years ago. He began medication, which slowed the progression of his disease, allowing them many more good years with him. Anyone who is concerned with memory issues is encouraged to get checked out and utilize medication -- both holistic and prescription -- and continue to pray for an end to this horrific, robbing disease. Perhaps one day, early prevention will be the cure.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Williamson Methodist Church.

Moody-Daniel Funeral Home in Zebulon, Georgia, is assisting the family with arrangements.