1925
2017
William "Bill" Ward passed away peacefully at Hospice of Dayton on Wednesday, Dec. 27,
2017. Born in 1925 to Abby and Everett Ward in Earnestville, Kentucky, Bill was one of
nine children who helped on the family's tobacco farm. At the age of 17, he moved north to
Dayton, Ohio, where he worked on the line at Frigidaire/General Motors for the next 44 ½
years except for a stint in the U.S. Army, where he served on a Medic boat in the South
Pacific. Before settling down Bill traveled cross country on his Harley Hog covering
thousands of miles out west in places like Yellowstone Park. He had a special love for the
outdoors as a hunter and fisherman and shared that love with his four daughters and
grandkids. Special fishing spots included the Manistee River and Lake Huron in Michigan,
Stillwater River and Ceasar's Creek in Ohio, and the streams around his boyhood home in
McKee, Kentucky. His hand-painted wooden lures were effective in catching those large
freshwater fish or 'hogs' as he would call them. Bill also enjoyed hiking in the woods
hunting for morels. Also known as the 'Candy Man', Bill was frequently seen passing out
Sweet Stripes peppermint candies to passersby whenever he was out and about. He loved
to make others chuckle and was known to have some of the corniest jokes ever. Surviving
Bill are his beloved wife of 66 years Dorothy (Dottie), four daughters: Carolyn (Steve)
Cartwright, Susan (Tom) Schmidt, Janet (Gordon) Brown, Theresa (Gerald) Yoder and eight
grandchildren who all knew him as Pawpaw: Stephanie Zimmer, Christina Cartwright, Alex
and Erik Schmidt, Rebekah Kitterman, Rachel Watts, Sarah Ruth Furrow and Garrett Yoder and siblings: Harold Ward, Helen Sizemore and Shirley Stidham. Thank you, Dad, for instilling in us a strong work ethic and showing us the fun side of life with a wonderful sense of humor. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice of Dayton.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel.
January 29, 2018
Sandy Spencer
So saddened to hear about Uncle Bill. My heartfelt sympathies and prayers to Aunt Dottie and my cousins, Carolyn, Susan, Janet and Teresa. Love, Sandy Whiteman Spencer
January 27, 2018
Morris Hill
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I (Morris) also worked for GM and several of us from the Code Dept. including Bill would meet every 3 months for a breakfast after we had retired. When Bill was unable to attend breakfasts he still called me ever so often to check in. He always had a fish story to tell which was often one he had enjoyed telling before. We will miss his "Oh me oh my ,oh my oh me." Until we meet again Bill.
With all our Sympathy
Morris and Barb Hill
December 31, 2017
At Miami Shores Baptist Church we called Bill" Candy Man" because he made sure everyone had a mint every Sunday morning. We loved him and will miss him. Dottie Roberts
December 31, 2017
Teri Barna Powell
So sorry for your loss Dottie. Bill was such a kind loving and friendly person. We have been looking for him at Meijer's. Always so fun to chat with him. He will surely be missed. He was a dear friend of my dad, Bill Barna.
December 30, 2017
I'M so sorry that I can't be there with Dottie and the children. You're in my thoughts and prayers. I hope to see you this coming spring. Love, Helen and Ernie Sizemore
December 29, 2017
Mary Meyer
I'm so sorry. If there is anything I can do for you or your daughters, please don't hesitate to ask me. My prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Mary Meyer
December 29, 2017
Mary Hamer
So sorry, Dottie. Sending Deepest Sympathy to you and your Family.
December 28, 2017
Timothy Zimmer
Sweet words for a sweet man who I only met once,but instantly understood why his family adored his presence, humor and wit. Godspeed to all who loved him!
December 28, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss.
Karen Watern
December 28, 2017
Karen Watern
I am so sorry for your loss.
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