Richard Ward

August 12, 1959 - December 9, 2020

Richard Ward Augusta, GA – Our hearts are broken to announce the passing of our beloved and tenderhearted son, brother, and uncle, Richard Joseph “Rick” Ward. He was born August 12, 1959, in Findlay, Ohio, and passed away at the Covid-19 University Hospital at Summerville Campus, December 9th, 2020. A native of Fostoria, OH, he was preceded in death by his father, William Thomas Ward, Fostoria, OH, and is survived by his mother, Bonnie Wedge Ward Given, of Augusta; sisters, Leanne Ward Jacobs (Harry), Laura Given von Schriltz (Keith), Falls Church, VA, his stepsisters, Bobbi Given Campbell, Nancy Given Gardner, and Susan Given Kiefer, and his many cousins. He was the favorite uncle to precious nieces, nephews, great grand nephews, and niece. Mr. Ward graduated from the Academy of Richmond County, attended Augusta College and Augusta Technical College. He was a member of Saint John United Methodist Church in Augusta, the George Walton Lodge No. 699, F. & A. M., the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Augusta, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Early in his life, Mr. Ward was a dispatcher for the Richmond County Fire Department, preparing a new index of streets that included the West Richmond County area which became part of the Richmond County district. Becoming fascinated with the changing telephone industry, he started working for the AT&T Baby Bells, Augusta, transitioning to telecommunication companies, Powertel, VoiceStream and T-Mobile, transferring to Macon and Atlanta, before retiring and moving back to Augusta. This gave him time to do volunteer work and pursue his love of amateur radio communications. He remained a member of the Columbia County Amateur Radio Club. Memorials may be made to the Golden Harvest Food Bank, 3310 Commerce Dr., Augusta, GA 30909-9906 (www.goldenharvest.org) and the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 950 West Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605 (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/greenville) or any charity of your choice. Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, a celebration of his life will take place at a later date. Interment will be in the garden section of Fountain Cemetery, Fostoria, OH, Summer 2021. To share memories of condolence, please visit www.thomaspoteet.com and search Richard Joseph Ward under Tributes. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com