Earl William Ward, Jr., age 85, passed peacefully at home with his wife Kathy beside him on May 21, 2026. He was born in Pensacola, FL on December 1, 1940. Following high school (where he always said they taught him reading, writing and the road to Mobile) he became a pipe fitter at Scott Paper Mill in Mobile, AL. After retiring from the mill some of his pursuits included building model train layouts with his Lionel train collection began as a boy; fixing up various boats and houseboats; traveling in his camper or motorhome.

Earl was a Methodist and member of the Masonic Lodge. He had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to his dying day was full of gratitude and humbled by the Lord’s many blessings and gift of salvation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Evelyn Ward, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Ward of Fayetteville; sons, James (Ann) Ward of Wilmer, AL, and Charles Ward of Bay Minette, AL; daughter, Debra (Timmy) Bradley of Lucedale, MS; sister, Martha Brown; grandchildren, Colter (Kayla) Bradley, Rebecca Ward, and Cody (Sara) Ward; and numerous great-grandchildren, nephews, cousins, plus all of Kathy’s family. He will be missed greatly.

Inurnment of his remains will take place at Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola, FL.

We at Higgins Funeral Home are privileged to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of Earl William Ward, Jr.