Robert Leon Ward

Robert Leon “R.L.” Ward, 74, of Villa Rica, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 25, 2023 at home surrounded by his wife and three children. He was born on July 21, 1949 in LaGrange, Georgia. He is the oldest son of the late Marshall Lee Ward and the late Frances Louise Tumlin Ward.

R.L. loved the outdoors, camping, grilling, and family gatherings. He loved the Lord and enjoyed hearing his wife and daughter sing. Outside of his duties as a firefighter, R.L. had a variety of interests and hobbies that brought him joy. He enjoyed hunting, spending time in his workshop tinkering with various projects, cutting grass, and working alongside his sons. These activities allowed R.L. to unwind. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of his family.

Mr. Ward retired from Douglas County Fire Department, serving thirty-eight years as Lieutenant and EMT with his firehouse family. He was respected and loved by so many. Of all his achievements, his family was his pride and joy. His legacy will live on through them and will be so deeply missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Marshall Lee Ward, Jr. and Lester Dennis “Dinky” Ward.

Mr. Ward is survived by his beloved wife, Lillian Sudduth Ward. He was a devoted father to his daughter, Traci Nalley and her husband Scott of Douglasville, Georgia; sons Travis Ward and his wife Shannon Ward, as well as Kevin Ward and his wife Kristy Ward; all of Villa Rica, Georgia. R.L.'s grandchildren Kendra Nalley, Kaci Roberts and her husband Michael, Christian Ward, Keri Nalley, Kole Waldrop and her husband Bret, Morgan Ward and her fiancé Allen  Engeman, Sierra Garrett and her husband Jace, Madi Ward and Mylee Ward; great-grandchildren, Rhett Roberts, Hagen Waldrop, Reagan Roberts and Rowen Roberts.

The family will have a visitation on Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM and on Friday, September 29, 2023 from 11:00 AM until the funeral hour. at Jones-Wynn Funeral Home Villa Rica Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 1:00 PM from Jones-Wynn Funeral Home Villa Rica Chapel, with Pastor Josh Smith and Tommy Mann officiating, with his grand-daughter Kole Waldrop providing the eulogy. Interment will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. The following are serving as pallbearers, Scott Nalley, Christian Ward, Michael Roberts, Bret Waldrop, Jace Garrett, Allen Engeman, Jared MeKown, and Barry Hudder.

May R.L.'s life, legacy, and dedication as a firefighter serve as an inspiration to all. His unwavering dedication to public service and love for his family will be remembered by those fortunate enough to have known him.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.jones-wynn.com Jones-Wynn Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services of Villa Rica is in charge of the arrangements. 770-459-3694