Billy Forrest Ward

Billy Forrest Ward
Billy Forrest Ward

 

On the 19th day of September 2021, in his home and surrounded by family, Billy Forrest Ward went peacefully from this world to join his Heavenly Father.

Billy was born on August 8, 1953, to Ardus and Mary Etta Ward, in Lubbock, Texas.  Billy was the middle brother, between Gary and Terry.  In 1960, the family moved to Amarillo where Billy would attend Robert E. Lee and Crockett Jr. High, and graduate from Tascosa High School in 1971.  He spent much of his early childhood at his grandparent’s farm in the Roosevelt community where some of the fondest memories were made.

Growing up he enjoyed playing sports.  His competitive nature allowed him to excel at just about anything he tried.  His favorites being baseball and basketball.  He also enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, and all types of games.  If you ever played with him, it was no doubt a unique experience and not one to be forgotten.

He met his wife of 48 years in 1972 while dragging Polk Street in downtown Amarillo.  They married in August 1973, and he later graduated from West Texas State University with a business degree.  He immediately went into the field of banking where he spent more than 20 years with First National Bank and Amarillo National Bank.  He then made a career change and began teaching in the AISD where he still taught at the time of his passing.  He welcomed hard work and never shied away from long hours, often holding multiple part time jobs.  Billy did so without complaint, making sure his family wanted for nothing and was never concerned with himself.

Billy and Sheryl raised two wonderful daughters, Elissa and Amber.  Billy’s love for and devotion to family was uncompromising and beyond measure.  He took pride in coaching his daughters’ sports teams and could recall every game, play, and score.  This continued to school sports as he attended their practices, held his own practices, and watched as many events as humanly possible in which his grandkids were involved.

Billy was a devoted husband and an amazing dad, but his most cherished title was Grandad.  He never missed an opportunity to brag on his grandkids.  Some of his favorite times were the annual family trips to Angel Fire enjoying uninterrupted time with family.  He encouraged his kids and grandkids to work hard in school and was a great example of how to provide for a family.

Billy was greeted in Heaven by his loving mother, Mary Etta, and his brother, Terry.

He is survived by his wife, Sheryl, his daughter Elissa and husband Brad, daughter, Amber and husband Bret, along with his grandchildren, Madesyn, Blake, Brooklyn, Aaliyah, Emma, Cody, and Taylor.  Also left to cherish his memory are his dad, Ardus, brother, Gary and wife Shana, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 25, 2021, in the chapel at Hillside Christian Church, 6100 South Soncy Rd.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

14 Replies to “Billy Forrest Ward”

  1. I worked with Billy at Amarillo National Bank, where I still work.
    So sorry to hear he has passed. He was very well liked.

  2. Billy was a great man. We worked together at Piggly Wiggly back in the 70’s. I was in High school and he was working his way through college. We had some great times and he was an awesome mentor. RIP my brother!!

  3. Rip Billy we went to high school together he knew me I didn’t know him meet again on the baseball field at South Lawn when he was a coach and I was a coach watched our girls play against each other all the way through high school Billy allways had a smile and a handshake RIP Billy awesome individual

  4. Tascosa classmate and friend. Great competitive spirit and kind soul. Last interaction at 40th reunion…. My sincere condolences to his family…. A true renaissance man. A kind and loving person…

  5. God is taking excellent care of Billy. Just the same, the right words to ease your pain are hard to express. Please know that Our prayers are with you.

  6. Billy, you will be greatly missed by everyone, especially your sweet family. You have been a great example to me of a dedicated and loving husband and father. I’m glad we could visit and share stories from our youth recently. I look forward to the day when we meet again.

    Sheryl, your strength and enduring faith are inspiring. God bless you and all your family

  7. Gary, we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and all of your family during this difficult time. We know there are no words that can ease the pain of losing a loved one. We pray that God gives you comfort, strength, peace and rest in knowing that your brother is home with his heavenly Father.

  8. I will cherish memories of my “cool” cousin Billy, especially those special times at Mam Maw’s house. That engaging and genuine big smile, slow syrupy deep voice and echoing laugh. He was always to kind and welcoming to me. From sports, to cards, and of course, dominoes (42), Billy was the guy you wanted on your team. Made the hard things seem so easy – the really great ones do that.
    I believe the last time, I saw Billy, we were partners in 42 at Gary’s house. And yes, of course, Billy and I set Gary and Monty a couple of times and won – much to Gary’s displeasure, which made even more sweet for Billy and I. RIP cousin and I hope you enjoy playing dominoes with our other loved ones in heaven.

  9. Billy was a great guy! I remember many times seeing him sitting in the gymnasium bleachers as we each watched our daughters playing basketball and/or volleyball games. My sincere condolences to the family!!!!

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