Funeral service for Roger Del Ward, 71, will be Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Walter Blackman officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Hartselle Memory Gardens. Visitation will be Saturday, December 23, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home.
Mr. Ward passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at UAB Hospital. He was born March 23, 1952, in Morgan County, to John Edward “Pete” Ward and Rachel Faye Sims Ward.
Del was a faithful Christian man who loved the Lord. He was a wonderful Husband, father, and grandfather, and was extremely proud of his two sons and the men they became. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.Del loved to fish and had wonderful fishing buddies. Del also loved to watch Alabama football.Del was blessed in 2008 to be given the gift of life by receiving a lung transplant. This extended his life Fifteen and a half years. The family asks if you aren’t an organ donor, please consider becoming one.The family would like to thank several people instrumental in Del’s care these past 15 years. Dr. John V. Irle, who was his primary care physician. He was instrumental in diagnosing Del and putting him with the right lung doctors to get his transplant.
The family would also like to thank Melissa Shupe, his Respiratory Therapist; She was always ready to take his weekly call, and for anything that he needed. Del had a genuine fondness for her. Dr. Keith Willie, his pulmonologist at UAB Hospital for 16 years. Del and Anita gained a wonderful friend, whom they grew to love and respect over the years, Dr. Lanier O’Hare. She was his first transplant coordinator, and was always there for them the entirety of his journey. She made Del’s life brighter with her humor, support, and encouragement.
His parents preceded him in death.
Survivors include
Wife – Anita Clemons Ward
Sons – Kris Ward (Melissa)
Nick Ward
Sister – Bonnie Weinman (Doug)
Grandsons –
Tyde Ward, Luke Ward, Keaton Ward and Lawson Ward
Granddaughters – Lillie Ward and Everly Ward
A host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Tyler, Ivan Self, Bill Smelser, Jimmy Moore, Mark England and Mickey Smith.
Peck Funeral Home
