Celebrating the life of
Raleigh C. Ward, Jr.
November 17, 1931 - May 15, 2015
SAVANNAH - Raleigh C. Ward, 83, died Friday, May 15, 2015, at his home.
The native and lifelong resident of Savannah graduated from Commercial High School where he made the first touchdown for that school. He served with the Seabees in the United States Navy Reserves and was retired from Union Camp Corp. He was an avid golfer, a member of the Senior Blitz at Bacon Park, a member of the Old Timers Softball League, and coached Little League Baseball at Bacon Park for 14 years. He was an active member of the Exchange Club of Savannah.
Surviving are his wife, Carleen Ward; his children, Raleigh “Butch” Ward (Peggy) of Richmond Hill, James Ward (Deborah) of Dallas, GA, and Cindy Ward DiLeo of Garfield, NJ; stepdaughters, Michelle Gray (David) of Roswell, GA and Melanie Gentry (Brian) of Ringold, GA; two sisters, JoAnne Aeger (Billy) and Martha Conners (Joseph) both of Savannah; a brother-inlaw, Rad Robison of Columbus, GA; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; and 6 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raleigh C. and Catherine Carter Ward, his wife of 47 years, Geraldine Gavin Ward, and a great-grandchild, Joshua Ray.
A visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel with a Rosary Service at 5:00 p.m.
The graveside service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests remembrances to Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416 or The First Tee of Savannah, 1201 W. Lathrop Ave., Savannah, GA 31415.
I am so sorry to hear about Raleigh. His cousin Rene Saunders use to talk about him all the time. She had a great love and respect for him. I felt like I knew him even though we never meet. God Bless Stelly Driggers
- Stelly Driggers, Rincon , Ga
Raleigh was one of the best baseball coaches that Savannah has ever seen. Mostly because he really loved helping the kids. Very positive person, from what I remember. I have seen him around town for decades and we would talk about the Bacon Park baseball experiences. He was a fine man and will be missed. I have seen him at Bacon Park Golf Course a few times on the last year. I just found out today that he was gone. Very sad news. He will be missed by many.
- Greg Burch, Savannah, Ga
Butch, Jimmy, Cindy & Family, Your dad was such a warm & wonderful man. I will cherish those days when we were children & our families would visit. Your mom & dad were always such special people! They are certainly missed. Sending my thoughts & prayers,. Your cousin, Debbie
- Debbie, Richmond hill, Ga
I have known, and worked with, Raleigh since 72'. He was a kind and giving person with a easy going personality. Claudia and I will miss him and I'm sure his family will dearly miss him. A truly wonderful person.
- Bill & Claudia Curry, Savannah, Georgia
I worked with Raleigh for many years at Union Camp and International Paper (Arizona Chemical). Raleigh was not only a coworker he was my friend. He was always willing to help others. Our prayers and deepest sympathy go out to Carleen and family. May God grant you comfort, peace and precious memories. Charles & Nancy Lively
- Charles @Nancy Lively , Port Wentworth, Ga.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Raleigh's family and friends. Carleen, my fondest memory is of you and Raleigh opening your home to us when we visited along with Melanie, and hosting a fabulous Low Country Boil! Thank you for sharing your love and laughter and making such wonderful memories.
- Paula, Chattanooga, TN
Carleen, we are so sorry for your loss & know that you have many fond memories of Raleigh in your heart. We leave for Atlanta in the morning for Jim's heart check at Emory Hospital and will see you when we return. Grace
- Grace & Jim McAleer, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear about Raleigh. His cousin Rene Saunders use to talk about him all the time. She had a great love and respect for him. I felt like I knew him even though we never meet. God Bless Stelly Driggers
- Stelly Driggers, Rincon , Ga
Raleigh was one of the best baseball coaches that Savannah has ever seen. Mostly because he really loved helping the kids. Very positive person, from what I remember. I have seen him around town for decades and we would talk about the Bacon Park baseball experiences. He was a fine man and will be missed. I have seen him at Bacon Park Golf Course a few times on the last year. I just found out today that he was gone. Very sad news. He will be missed by many.
- Greg Burch, Savannah, Ga
Butch, Jimmy, Cindy & Family, Your dad was such a warm & wonderful man. I will cherish those days when we were children & our families would visit. Your mom & dad were always such special people! They are certainly missed. Sending my thoughts & prayers,. Your cousin, Debbie
- Debbie, Richmond hill, Ga
I have known, and worked with, Raleigh since 72'. He was a kind and giving person with a easy going personality. Claudia and I will miss him and I'm sure his family will dearly miss him. A truly wonderful person.
- Bill & Claudia Curry, Savannah, Georgia
I worked with Raleigh for many years at Union Camp and International Paper (Arizona Chemical). Raleigh was not only a coworker he was my friend. He was always willing to help others. Our prayers and deepest sympathy go out to Carleen and family. May God grant you comfort, peace and precious memories. Charles & Nancy Lively
- Charles @Nancy Lively , Port Wentworth, Ga.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Raleigh's family and friends. Carleen, my fondest memory is of you and Raleigh opening your home to us when we visited along with Melanie, and hosting a fabulous Low Country Boil! Thank you for sharing your love and laughter and making such wonderful memories.
- Paula, Chattanooga, TN
Carleen, we are so sorry for your loss & know that you have many fond memories of Raleigh in your heart. We leave for Atlanta in the morning for Jim's heart check at Emory Hospital and will see you when we return. Grace
- Grace & Jim McAleer, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
