Gary Andre Ward, Sr.

Gary Andre Ward, Sr., 49, of Rockdale, Illinois, passed away suddenly on August, 27, 2020. 

He was born in Joliet, Illinois on May 27, 1971 to Stanford and Versie Ward. 

He was survived by his daughter, Karen Lynette Ward (Lawrenceville, GA); sons, Gary “AJ” Andre Ward Jr. (Joliet, IL), Nicholas “Nico” Ward (Joliet, IL), daughter, Desiree Simone Ward-Pasdertz (Decatur, IL); son, Tyler Xavier Ward (Kansas City, MO) and daughter, Madison Marie Ward (Kansas City, MO). His mother, Versie Ward (Lawrenceville, GA), brother and sister in law Stanley & Tina Ward (Ridott, IL), Sister Queenie Griffin (Joliet, IL) and brother by bond Andrew Kelly; aunts, Bessie Logan, Sandra Jackson, Michelle Ward, Edward Adams, Doris Chambers; uncles, Kenneth Ward (Joliet, IL), Timothy Ward (Joliet, IL); great-grandsons, Jaxson, Xavier and Dominik. A number of beloved great aunts, uncles, nieces nephews, cousins and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Stanford Ward, aunts, Susie Stokes, Francis Stokes; uncles, Thomas Lincoln Ward and Milton Billy “Bearle” Ward. 

Gary will always be remembered for his heart of gold. He always had an encouraging word for others. It is said that Gary never met a stranger. He could walk into a dark room and illuminate it with his smile. An avid fisherman, you could find him at his favorite fishing hole ready to supply a family fish fry with his catch of the day. Gary by all accounts was the life of the party, but once the Saturday fun was over Gary would make sure to call his mother every Sunday. Known as Gary, G. Ward, G Dub, Son, Dad and Paw-Paw, the world will forever be a little less bright without the shine that he brought into all of our lives. 

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