Houston William Ward, at the age of 90, went to be with his heavenly Father on August 28, 2020, at Baptist Medical Center in Yazoo City, MS. He was born on February 26, 1930, in Yazoo County. He was known by friends as Willie Hugh or Bill and to family, Papaw.
Bill attended Benton High School and joined the Air Force at the age of 17. He served from 1948-1952, as a military police and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. He married Etta Jo Coleman on December 5, 1952. They had 4 daughters and resided in Benton or Yazoo County most of their life. He was a lifelong member of the Benton United Methodist Church, where he served on many committees. He worked at Yazoo Butane in Yazoo City for over 40 years. After retiring, he spent most of his time with family or volunteered his time helping others. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and babysitting his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His contagious laughter and willingness to help others will never be forgotten. As several have said, life won’t be the same without him, but we know we will see him again in heaven.
He was preceded in death by his mother Nora Etta, father Joe C., his sister Bessie, brothers Henry and Herbert, half-sister Mary, and half-brothers Joe and Sam.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 68 years, Etta Jo Ward, 4 daughters: Judy (Harold) Miller, Pam Golden, Diane (Reece) Vaughan and Lynn (Bill) Coleman, 10 grandchildren: Kristy Robertson, Misty Lacey, Trey Miller, Emily Halford, Will Vaughan, Brandan Coleman, Jeff Coleman, Josh Vaughan, Blake Coleman, and Ward Coleman, 26 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-granddaughter, and a host of nieces & nephews.
A celebration of his life will take place for family and friends on September 5, 2020, at 3 p.m. at Benton United Methodist Church followed by burial at Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City.
Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons: Trey Miller, Will Vaughan, Brandan Coleman, Jeff Coleman, Josh Vaughan, Blake Coleman, and Ward Coleman.
Memorials be made to Benton United Methodist Church. Cards can be sent to Martha Coker Attn: Jo Ward, 2041 Grand Avenue, Yazoo City, MS 39194.
His family would like to express our gratitude to the staff at the Martha Coker Green House for the love and care shown to our father and mother, since their move there. Also, we want to thank the nursing staff at the Baptist Medical Center in Yazoo City for the compassionate care shown to our father and for the support given to his family.
