Thomas Ward Sr.

Thomas Emory Ward, Sr. (94), born November 5th, 1930, met His Savior, Jesus, face to face on July 20th, 2025.

Thomas (Tom) is survived by his wife of 74 years, Mary (Caton) Ward. He is also survived by his daughter Janet Finley (Donny) and his son, Tommy (Kellie), as well as his grandchildren: Catie Lumpkin (Jamie), Leah Glasscock (Ben), Trey Ward, and Sarah Bell (Michael). He additionally leaves a legacy of 11 great-grandchildren: Caleb, Benjamin, Daniel, Riley Beth, Bentley, Catherine, Ayla Joy, Judah, Isaac, Eliza and William. He is preceded in death by his father, Hillard Grady Ward, Sr.; his mother, Florence Mitchell Ward; his brothers: Billy, Carl, Michael, and H.G. Ward, Jr., as well as his sisters: Frances Ward, Virginia Billy, Helen Ledbetter, and Jeannette Orr. He is cherished by numerous extended family members who have been impacted by his life.

As a native of Montgomery, Alabama, Tom developed a love for and talent in sports while attending Lanier High School. He married Mary, his high school sweetheart, and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1950 and was stationed at Camp LeJune. There he was invited to play for the Marine Corps camp baseball team.

After exiting the military, Tom joined the U.S. Postal Service and ultimately served his country as a United States Postal Inspector. After retiring in 1982, he and Mary opened Altadena Antiques, an antique and estate sale business which they enjoyed for 35 years.

Tom was diligent to pass on his love of sports, antiques and Hardy Boy mysteries to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but most significantly, he faithfully modeled to them God's redeeming grace.

Celebration of life arrangements are as follows: Family and friends' visitation from 10-11 AM on Friday, July 25th, at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home (2701 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244). Graveside service will follow at 12:30 at Alabama National Cemetery (3133 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL, 35115).

The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Trauma and Palliative Care teams at UAB for their excellent and loving care for our father over the last weeks.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, a charitable donation may be given to either Steve Franklin Ministries, Jeremiah Castille Foundation or a charity of your choice that reflects the Godly character Tom exhibited.