Billy Ray Ward

Billy Ray Ward, fondly known to his family as “Pa Ward”, passed peacefully at his home in Houston, Texas on March 10, 2021.  Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 22, 1933.

Bill graduated from Parkwood Consolidated High School in Iowa, 1952, and joined the United States Air Force in February of 1953.  He proudly served for 20 years as an aircraft mechanic during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  After his retirement from the Air Force, he worked another 20+ years as an inspector for the City of Houston.

 He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, and a Houston Astros season ticket holder for many years.  Along with baseball, Bill was a loyal follower of all Houston sports and rarely missed watching a game or NASCAR race from the comfort of his recliner.  He was always willing to travel anywhere if it allowed him to see his family for a holiday…his enthusiasm for these gatherings was genuine and irreplaceable.

Bill’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all of his friends that regularly met for coffee/dinner and assisted Bill with household projects and doctor’s appointments.  He spoke of you often and was truly grateful for all of your selfless acts. Most importantly, Manuela Kinsale, a debt of immeasurable gratitude is owed to you for the many years that you were there for both Bill and Ruby.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Ruby M. Ward.  Survivors include daughter Wilma Twilley Reid (Al) of Blairsville, GA, granddaughter Amber Matthews (Bob) of Galveston, TX, grandson Butch Twilley (Erin) of Tacoma, WA, granddaughter Megan Phillips of Lakewood, CA, grandson Eddie Phillips of Las Vegas, NV, great-grandson Jordan Twilley (Kellyn) of Spearman, TX, great-granddaughter Ashley Twilley Byma (Tim) of Tucson, AZ, great-grandson Cade Twilley (Evan) of Tacoma, WA, and great-great-grandchildren Journey Twilley, Jude Twilley, Max Byma and Remy Byma.

Honoring the family as Pallbearers are Butch Twilley, Eddie Phillips, Jordan Twilley, Bob Matthews, Tim Byma, Louie Stefanizzi, and Joe Rodgriguez.