Obituary of Franklin Wesley Ward

WARD, FRANKLIN W. Ocala - Franklin W. Ward, 87, passed away on Friday, Aug. 6, 2010 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Chiefland, FL and retired from the City of Ocala as a supervisor for Parks and Recreation. He served his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in the South Pacific serving on the USS Wisconsin BB-64, where he owns a plank. He was present on the USS Wisconsin anchored next to the USS Missouri at the signing of the Peace Treaty with Japan. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church in Anthony. Mr. Ward served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and held the office of Deacon Emeritus. He was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W. and Woodmen of the World. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, flowers, fishing and hunting. He is survived by his wife of 67years, Cora Lee Cason Ward of Ocala, his daughter Harlie Ward Tarrant Nicholson of Ocala, his son, Thomas W. Ward of Columbia, SC, his grandchildren, Kevin W. Tarrant, Christian Lee Tarrant, Megan R.Wilkinson, Charles Dale Ward and Thomas John (TJ) Ward and his great granddaughters, Amber R. Wilkinson and Brianna L. Wilkinson. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Cherry Faxon and Pansy Ward. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010 at 3:00 P. M. at Unity Baptist Church, 1290 NE 100th Street, Ocala(Anthony) with Rev. Samuel W. Clements officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 6-8 PM at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Interment will be at Highland Memorial Park with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Marion County.