Obituary of Gary Don Ward

Gary Don Ward passed away on March 11, 2023 at the age of 68 in Pace, Florida. Gary was born on April 24, 1954 to Estelle Parker in Atmore, Alabama. When he was very young, they moved to Pensacola and he received a great gift in his stepfather, William “Bill” Parker, who was a hardworking man of strong character. Together Bill and Estelle raised a blended family of 7 boys and 3 girls. We are all pretty sure they were saints! Gary was known to be an honest and hard worker. He spent most of his life roofing for a living. He loved to tell the story of how he got his start with Guy Brothers Roofing. He then went on to own and operate his own roofing company for many years with his beloved brother, Kenny Ward. He fully enjoyed what he did and those he met throughout his roofing days. After he got his girls grown and married, he worked for a few years at Milton Iron and Metals where he discovered his love for “scrapping”. When his health no longer allowed him to work, he found many hobbies to fill his days and bring him joy. He enjoyed spending time in his shop wood-working and recreating projects that Debbie or his girls found online. His favorite line was, “I can make that!” He spent many days down by the riverbank scaring off fish or catching big ones depending on who you ask! And if he wasn’t in his shop or on the river, you would find him riding around town looking for scrap metal to recycle. Gary is preceded in death by his wife, Debbie Boroughs Shwartz-Ward, and his parents, Bill and Estelle Parker. Gary is survived and missed by his children, Misty Ward Rawls (Weston) and Wendy Ward Caughey. Forever cherished and remembered by his four grandchildren, Whitney Derrick (Austin), Ashlyn Rawls, Lauren Rawls, and Payton Caughey; as well as his two great grandchildren, Emma and Avery Derrick. He also leaves behind beloved brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Gary loved his family dearly. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He will truly be missed and will never be forgotten. A Celebration of Life will be held at Family Funeral & Cremation, 5627 N Davis Highway Pensacola, FL 32503 on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 11:30 to 1:30.