Cecil Clair Ward Sr., 86, of Sandy Lake, passed away at 2 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at The Caring Place following an extended illness.

Born Nov. 1, 1932, in Boyers, Cecil was the son of the late Joseph Franklin and Clara Agnes Norcross Ward. He was married to Betty Rae Clarke-Ward, who survives.

Cecil was a Korean War veteran having served with the 101st Airborn Division of the U.S. Army. He drove a semi-tractor trailer for 14 years, and retired from Steel Car in Greenville, where he worked as an electrician for more than 34 years.

Cecil was an avid aviator. He built and flew an Ultralight aircraft and also piloted his own plane.

Cecil kept very active when his health permitted. He raced motocross and sprint cars. He had a lifetime hunting and fishing license and also enjoyed snowmobiling and four-wheeling.

He enjoyed music, especially bluegrass, and played his banjo with Leroy Troy, who is a banjo player with the popular Marty Stuart TV Show.

Cecil was a member of the Congress Hill Church of God and the Wesley Grange. He was always helping others and enjoyed the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Cecil is survived by his five children, Linda Haylett and her significant other, Joelene Rhone, of Melrose, Fla., Patricia Hedglin and her husband, Sam, of Sandy Lake, James Ward and his wife, Pam, of Clarion, Dale Ward and his wife, Donna, of Rocky Grove, and Betty Lou Zarlingo and her husband, William, of New Castle; and his two stepdaughters.

He is also survived by his numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his many nieces and nephews; and his four sisters, June Turner of Mercer, Esther Darr and her husband, Al, of Atlantic, Cora Baxter of Ohio, and Delilah Butzkifer and her husband, Richard, of Evans City.

In addition to his parents, Cecil was preceded in death by his first wife, Eleanor Whitehouse Ward; his son, Cecil Clair Ward Jr.; his grandson, Matthew Shilling; his granddaughter, Jessica Ward; and his stepgrandson, Tommy Alcorn.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the funeral home to help defray funeral expenses.

WARD

Cecil Clair Sr., 86, of Sandy Lake.

Service: A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday (7-7-19) in the Congress Hill Church of God, with the Rev. Johnny Pennington, pastor of the church, officiating.

Calling hours: None. Family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com to send cards or online condolences.

The GARDINIER FUNERAL HOME INC., 1315 Chestnut St., Franklin, has been entrusted with arrangements.