William Jerome Ward 73 of Elba, AL departed this life Thursday, June 29, 2023 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. Funeral services will be held from Hayes Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, July 3, 2023 at 3:00 PM with Rev. Kit Johnson officiating. Committal services will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be at Hayes Funeral Home on Monday, July 3, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1969 to 1973, and afterwards in the Army National Guard for 29 years.

Jerome and Joan were high school sweethearts for 3 years marrying in 1969, and would have celebrated 54 happy years together on July 8th.

He loved his Lord, his family, more friends than you can count, and a good day of work.

Survivors include: Wife - Joan Bryan Ward, Elba, AL, Daughter - Stacey Ward Helms, Enterprise, AL, Son-in-Law - Michael Anthony Helms, Enterprise, AL, Son - Daniel Windsor Ward, Marietta, GA, Daughter-in-law - Melissa Hall Ward, Marietta, GA, Grandson - Airman Branson Samuel Helms, Fort Dix, NJ, Grandson - Charles William Ward, Marietta, GA, Grandson - Philip Wesley Ward, Marietta, GA, Sister - Betty Ward Cain, Pensacola, FL, Aunt - Madelyn Martin, Daphne, AL,

Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama is serving the Ward family.