Bill was born October 9, 1929 to Tyrell and Tina [nee Daniels] Ward in Galt, California and was baptized into the body of Christ while in the military. After completing High School in Galt, Bill attended college for a short time until it was necessary to return to the Ward family ranch on Jack Tone Road. He enlisted in the US Naval Ready Reserve and ultimately served active duty as a Third-Class Torpedoman’s Mate on the Pearl Harbor Submarine base until he an Honorable Discharge and returned home to the family ranch before marrying his beloved Virginia ‘Ginger’ Ann [nee VanConett] on December 5, 1953. Bill and Ginger lived on the ranch as Bill continued the work he loved, animal husbandry, until only recently when he entered full retirement.
Bill dedicated his life to raising a strong Christian family and helping the youth of his area. Besides instilling his love of animal husbandry in his children through involvement with the 4-H, Bill coached youth football and baseball as well as found great enjoyment in attending local school and team sporting events to support the countless young people he had come to know. Bill was instrumental in a coordinated effort of a local Boy Scout troop in their endeavor to rejuvenate the Elliot Cemetery on Liberty Road. He also served on the Board of Directors for Liberty Fire Department.
Bill is preceded into rest by his father, mother, older brother Robert, and grandson Paul. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years Ginger, son Gary, daughter Colleen [Tony] Nunes, eight grandchildren six greatgrandchildren as well as other extended family members.
Services will be held 10:30am on Saturday 4 August 2018, in the sanctuary of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 604 E Street, Galt, CA 95632 with Rev. Jerry Storrs presiding, with a reception immediately following at a local establishment in Galt that will be announced before the service.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (address above) in Galt or Hospice of San Joaquin 3888 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Donahue Funeral Home Lodi, CA.