Carl Franklin Ward Sr., 96, of Savannah, Georgia was called home to the Lord on November 2, 2026, a few days after his wife of 71 years passed away. Carl and his wife Erline left this world like they lived it, together. A native of Savannah, GA, Carl was born on March 28, 1930, to the late Truman Franklin Ward and Gertrude Theresia Ellensohn Ward.

Carl was quickly drafted to the Korean War at age 17. After his tour, he quickly returned to Savannah, GA where he would meet and pursue a courtship with his beloved Erline. Their love story is one only seen in the movies. Their first date was an evening of dinner and dancing under the stars at Johnny Harris Restaurant, and from that night on, the two were rarely seen without the other close by. They were married in 1954 and would spend the rest of their lives in Savannah, GA. After 20 years of praying for a child, their beloved son Carl Jr was born. His greatest joys were coaching his son and watching him play sports.

Carl worked as a machinist at Union Camp for 45 years. He loved his job and rarely missed a day of work. This work ethic was passed on to his son and grandson. As a machinist he loved to work with his hands, and he could fix anything. You could always find him in his shed working on a new project.

Carl was a strong-willed man with a quick wit and a heart of gold. You knew he was serious when he pulled out his pointer finger and a stern lecture was sure to follow. He was a man of style. He always had a comb in his pocket and Vitalis hair tonic on standby. He loved music and had an extensive record collection of all genres. You could hear him playing anything from Ernest Tubb to Elvis as you reached their front door.

Carl and Erline were faithful servants of Calvary Baptist Temple for more than 50 years. His faith was an essential part of his life, and he rarely, if ever, missed a Sunday service. His devotion to the Lord and her church family was a testament to the faith he carried throughout her life.

Carl was preceded in death by his loving wife, Erline Humphrey Ward; parents, Truman Franklin and Gertrude Ellensohn Ward; and brother Alco Truman Ward.

He leaves behind his beloved son, Carl Franklin Ward Jr., and daughter-in-law, Suzanne Ward, both of Savannah, Georgia; sister, Louise Richards of Savannah, GA; his cherished grandchildren, Madie Ward and Carl Franklin Ward III (Trace) of Savannah, GA; and many loving nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, and staff at Riverview Health and Rehabilitation Center for the compassion, kindness, and care they have shown Carl and his wife, Erline. Their support during this difficult time will always be remembered with deep appreciation.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Temple followed by a Funeral Service to celebrate his life at 11 a.m. Entombment will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens Mausoleum.