Ernest Worth Ward

Mr. Earnest Ward passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, October 20, 2014.  He was born on November 6, 1913 in Banks county to Glenn Ward and Lonnie Gowder Ward.  Had he lived until his next birthday, he would have celebrated his 101st.  He was the oldest of thirteen children and was preceded in death by all of his siblings.

            Mr. Ward was a master carpenter and built many of the homes in and around Madison and Morgan County.  He took great pride in his work and loved sharing memories with his grandchildren.  Additionally, he built many of the homes that his children and grandchildren live in today. 

            Mr. Ward served his community in many ways.  He drove a school bus for many years and loved each of the children on his route.  As the bus passed his home each day, he would remind whoever was near that he had once driven the children to and from school.  Mr. Ward also served the Morgan County area as a volunteer fireman.  He responded to his last fire call at the age of 84.  He loved the Madison Fire Department and his fellow firefighters.  As an assistant to Mr. Martin Sisk of Sisk Funeral Home, Mr. Ward served many Morgan families during their greatest times of need.  His gentle nature and kind spirit endeared him to many.

            Recently, Mr. Ward received special recognition from the Madison Masonic Lodge #376 as a 50 year member.  Mr. Ward took great pride in the lodge and enjoyed the fellowship with his lodge brothers.  He and his wife donated the land on which the Madison Masonic Lodge is currently located.  Most recently he donated an adjoining piece of property which extends onto Bell Circle.  Mr. Ward shared the Masonic brotherhood with his oldest son, son-in-law, and grandson.

            As a long time member of the Madison Baptist Church, he was the oldest living male church member.  The church and his Sunday School class were very important to him.  He attended church regularly until his health prevented it.  Visits from church members were treasured moments that he looked forward to. 

            In 1934, Mr. Ward married Hassieleen Hendrix.  They had been married 72 years when she passed away in 2007.  Together they had four children, twelve grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife (2007) and two sons, Joe (2008) and Larry (2014).  He is survived by his daughters Ernestine Jackson and Faye (Merrill) Carter.  He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, Mignonne Jackson, Dana J. Pennington, Tim (Vanessa) Carter, Matt (Rachel) Carter, Andy (Bethany) Carter, Adam (Alisha) Carter, Amie W. Cumming, Darrell (Wendy) Ward, Brian (Allison) Ward, Conrad Ward, Michael Ward, and Michelle (Joey) McClellan and nineteen great grandchildren.

            Visitation was held at the A.E. Carter Funeral Home on Thursday, October 23, 2014 from six until eight.  Funeral services were held at the Madison Baptist Church on Friday, October 24, 2014 at 11am with interment at the Madison City Cemetery. Dr’s. Charles Smith and Jim Ross along with grandchildren lead the celebration of his well lived, wonderful life.

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