Robert A Ward

Auburn – Ward, Robert Ashurst (USAF, Major, Ret’d). August 27, 1929 -July 30, 2021. Visitation will be held at St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Auburn, Alabama at 1:00 pm on Friday August 6, 2021, followed by a 2:00 pm Funeral Mass officiated by Rev Msgr Michael Farmer and Graveside Burial at Town Creek Cemetery Auburn AL. Robert (Big Bob) was born in East Tallassee and raised in Mobile, AL by the late George Washington Ward and Florence Ashurst Ward. After a storied high school career at Murphy High School in Mobile, Bob followed in his father’s steps by carrying his talents to Auburn University where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and the Auburn Wrestling Team, where he was named the Alabama State Champion for his weight class. Upon graduation from Auburn in 1950, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force and was later commissioned an Aviation 2^nd Lieutenant. Bob continued to serve, earning the distinction as a Master Navigator, in the USAF through 1970, rising to the rank of Major before retiring to Montgomery, AL.

After retirement from the USAF, Bob founded and forged Bob Ward Custom Homes in Montgomery where he built many beautiful homes throughout the Montgomery area for over 35 years. Throughout his life in Montgomery, he was a member of the GMHBA, Holy Spirit Catholic Church and Arrowhead Country Club where he enjoyed hosting his backyard barbeques during George Lindsey Celebrity Golf Tournaments.

Bob loved his God, his country, his family and Auburn sports. His passion for Auburn left a legacy unmatched by many families, with many children and grandchildren following his lead by studying at the Loveliest Village on the Plains. Throughout his life, he never met a stranger, continually regaled all visitors with wonderful stories of his youth, his time at Auburn, his service in the USAF, the challenges of raising his children and the joys he took in his grandchildren. 

Bob was preceded in death by his brother, William Ashurst Ward, sister Julia Ward Stonis (John) and grandson Jared Straughn. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth Louise Benson Ward (Bette), Sister, Vivian Ward Windrow (John), his children George Michael Ward (Deloris), Mark Everett Ward, Robert Mitchell Ward, Matthew Ashurst Ward, Melinda Louise Towery (Glen), Michelle Ward Saville (Lin) and Maxwell Benson Ward (Katherine). Papa Bear was greatly loved by all his grandchildren, Don Norrell (Myrtie), Justin Shaner, Jessica Straughn, Benjamin Ward, Nicholas Ward, Brandon Ward (Ashley), James Ward, Johnathon Ward, Matthew Hayden Ward, Kristen Ward Daughety (Ray), Trey Saville, Laura Beth Towery Edwards (Sam), Mareth Saville, Andrew Ward (Sara Grace), Michael Towery, Maggie Ward, Mandy Murchison (Boomer), Mallie Saville, Samuel Towery, Rob Saville and Madi Saville along with his great grandchildren , Amber Whittaker (Shawn), Joshua Norrell (McKenna), Mia Straughn,  Julian Straughn, Addison Hadaway , Alden Hadaway, Bryce Ward, Weston Joseph Daughety and Walker Lee Ward. He was beloved throughout his life by many extended family members including nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Serving as pallbearers will be Ben Ward, Nick Ward, Brandon Ward, James Ward, Johnathon Ward, Hayden Ward, Ray Daughety, Trey Saville, Andrew Ward, Michael Towery, Boomer Murchison, Sam Towery, and Rob Saville. The family would like to pass our love and appreciation to the caregivers and friends throughout Azalea Place, Comfort Keepers and the EAMC medical staff.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that you donate to a local Alzheimer’s Support Group, your favorite charity or in spending time with your family, the greatest gift of all.

Big Bob, Dad, Papa, Uncle Bob was the Man in the Arena, would never Quit and as the Great Scorer greets him, he will be marked as one of the best to have played the game.  May God continue to Bless You and War Eagle.