DL Capt. Richard "Dick" Dwight Ward

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Richard "Dick" Ward

March 29, 1935 - March 12, 2024

 

Notice of passing….retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Richard "Dick" Dwight Ward, age 88.  Dick joined Delta Air Lines 12-18-1961 and was based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Jeanine, and by his children and their families.

Obituary information is available and share memories online at

https://www.moodydaniel.com/obituary/richard-dick-ward 

PCN memorial site

 

Richard "Dick" Ward obituary

Mr. Richard Dwight Ward, Dick, age 88 of Williamson, passed away March 12, 2024, at Brightmoor Hospice. He was born in Patton, Missouri and was the son of the late George Alexander Ward and Freda Miinch Ward.

 

Dick married the love of his life, Iris Jeanine Knight, and the two soon move from Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Georgia when Dick became a pilot for Delta Airlines. He loved to fly with his whole being and saw his job as his playground in the sky instead of work. Between trips, he farmed his land and was an active member of Williamson Methodist Church and served on the Pike County Board of Education for approximately 13 years. He was a staunch conservative and an extraordinary man and role model for his family. He also served in the Air Force for four years during peace times and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

 

Dick Ward checked off all the boxes of his bucket list and left this world “with his boots on.” No regrets. A novice photographer he photographed 1000 beautiful sunsets and sunrises and took pictures around the world to include the Irish Cliffs of Moher, the Vatican, the Kremlin, Barcelona, Germany, Paris, England, Korea, Hawaii, and many more—taking Jeanine on many international trips before his retirement. He was a Captain with Delta Airlines for 33 years. Beside the airstrip on the family property, there is now a remote control aircraft field named for him—Ward Field—launching a few new lovers of flight.

 

Dick is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Jeanine; sister, Sandy Smith, and her husband, John. He was a dedicated and loving father to his children, Terri Ward Patterson, and her husband, John; Rick Ward, and his wife, Julie; Tammy Ward Deluzio, and her husband, Greg.  He was a great inspiration and role model to his surviving grandchildren: Taylor Hardy, Daniel Deluzio, Gavin Ward, Preston Ward, Jake Patterson, and Allie Patterson.  He is also survived by his niece Rebecca Smith and his nephew John Smith as well as several step great grandchildren.

 

Friends may join the family for the visitation at Williamson Methodist Church on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 1 PM. The funeral will also be at the church beginning at 2:00 PM. The burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

 

We were blessed to have Dick Ward in our lives, even though he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s some 13 years ago. He began medication which slowed the progression of his disease, allowing us many more good years with him. We encourage everyone who is concerned with memory issues to get checked out and utilize medication—both holistic and prescription—and continue to pray for an end to this horrific robbing disease. Perhaps one day early prevention will be the cure.

 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Williamson Methodist Church.