Robert “Gary” Ward passed away at age 79 on September 3rd, 2026 in Cumming Georgia. He was born March 26th, 1947 in Akron Ohio. Gary attended First Redeemer Church. He graduated from Mogadore High School. Gary was part of the army paratrooper 101st airborne. Then went on to work for Prudential for 24 years. Gary’s passion was football and he coached for 50 plus years at East High School in Ohio, Will’s Park, Chattahoochee High, Alpharetta High and Johns Creek High in Georgia. He was also a huge Auburn fan “War Eagle”.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Haskel Ward and Wynetta Allen Ward. He is survived by his loving wife, Vicki Kirk Ward; children, Lori Wigal (Jay Wigal), Cari Fouts (Keith Fouts), and Erick Ward; brother, Ron Ward (Pam Ward); grandchildren, Hayden McCurley (Ben McCurley), Kendall Campbell (Logan Campbell), Brayden Wigal, and Mason Wigal; and great-grandchildren, Heidi McCurley, Holly McCurley, and Cohen Campbell; nephews, Parry (Christy, Cameron, Kailey), and Trevor. Gary was the best Papa to his four grandkids and three great grandkids.