Harold Ward

Harold Parish Ward, age 93, of Birmingham, passed away at home peacefully surrounded by his family July 10, 2020. Born in Abbeville, AL, he spent most of his childhood life in Geneva, AL, graduating from Geneva High School. His parents were David Hickman Ward and Lillian Parish Ward. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Following his military service he attended API, now Auburn University, and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1949. He immediately began employment in Birmingham with Southern Bell, later South Central Bell and BellSouth. His work with the company took him and his family to Louisville, Baton Rouge, Atlanta, Birmingham, Jackson, MS and then back to Birmingham where he retired in 1987 after 38 years of service.

In each of the cities he was active in Baptist churches serving in many capacities, including Chairman of Deacons and Chairman of Personnel Committees. A member of First Baptist Church of Birmingham, he was a deacon and member of the Friendship Class.

He was active in civic life in the cities where he lived and the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers. He proudly established a student engineering scholarship at Auburn University.

After his retirement at age 61, he continued serving in his church and community, He especially enjoyed staying up to date with the latest computers and technology, Auburn football, golf with his close friends, exercise at Lakeshore Foundation swim class, and his grandchildren. He was a faithful caregiver for many years to his wife during her long illness.

He is pre-deceased by his wife of 61 years Wynelle Adkins Ward, and his second wife of 9 years, Sue Stokes Northington Ward.

He is survived by son David H. Ward; daughter Debra W. McIntosh (David) of Jackson, MS; granddaughter Kate M. Graham (Will) of Birmingham; grandson Alex W. McIntosh (Chelsea) of Starkville, MS; 5 great grandchildren Elodie, Rose, and William Graham, and David A. III “Tripp” and Poppy McIntosh. He is also survived by his sister Jean W. Jones of Sun City Center, FL. His siblings James W. Ward, Effie W. Stedman and Eugene Ward preceded him in death.

Family graveside services are Monday, July 13, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Currie-Jefferson Memorial Gardens on Highway 150, Birmingham, AL.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Birmingham or Salvation Army.