John Robert Ward

John Robert Ward

January 11, 1934 - June 13, 2025

John Robert Ward of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Northside Hospital-Cherokee at 10:13 p.m. following a period of declining health.

Bob was born in Atlanta, Georgia January 11, 1934, to Henry and Mary Ward. Bob attended Sylvan Hills High School before attending the University of Georgia, where he played baseball. He would then go on to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Bob earned his Master's in Education in 1976 from Georgia State University.

A man of strong faith, who viewed himself as a servant of God, he felt called back to Atlanta to join the staff at his childhood church, Capitol View Baptist, and later served at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church where he was the Youth Pastor for several years. It was there he formed close relationships with several Westminster families, who recognized his leadership and ability to connect with young people, eventually introducing him to Dr. William Pressly.

Bob began his career at The Westminster Schools in 1972, which led to a 28-year career as an Educator, Coach, and Athletic Administrator. He served as an eighth-grade class advisor, Junior High Chaplain, and seventh-grade football coach, and taught History, English, and Bible. He later took on leadership roles within the School's JV and Varsity Boys Basketball programs. In 1982, he was named Director of Athletics-a role he held for nearly two decades until his retirement in 2000.

Over his 18-year tenure as Athletic Director, Coach Ward played an instrumental role in building Westminster's athletic program into one of the most successful in Georgia and the nation. Under his leadership, the number of athletic teams grew from 32 to 73, earning 139 regional and area championships and 84 state championships across multiple sports. He was a fierce advocate for girls' athletics, championing the transition of several girls' programs from club-level to GHSA-sanctioned varsity teams. In recognition of his visionary leadership, Bob was inducted into Westminster's Breithaupt Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998. The Catbackers Association later established the Bob Ward Coach of the Year Award, given annually to a coach or staff member who exemplifies excellence in coaching and mentorship.

Bob had a profound appreciation for the Wildcat community and an inspiring vision for the meaningful role athletics plays in the life of a school. His leadership and commitment not only defined the Westminster experience for generations of students, families, and coaches but also impacted others throughout the state and country.

In 2000, he received the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Distinguished Service Award and was the first athletic director in the state of Georgia to receive the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Circle of Achievement Award. In 2010, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the Georgia Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.

Bob was a devoted, loving father to his son, Wright Ward, who will dearly miss him and the life lessons he imparted to him. Bob took great pride in being a parent and defined what it means to be selfless and humble. Furthermore, his greatest joy came from encouraging and pushing others to exceed their own expectations, truly demonstrating what it means to be a servant leader.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Marcia, brother Buddy, father Henry, and mother Mary, and is survived by his son Wright Ward, daughter-in-law Lauran Ward, and his three grandchildren Kaison, Kohen, and Kinley Ward.

A service in Bob's honor will be held on Thursday, June 26th, at 2:00 p.m. at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. A reception will take place following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to The Jimmy V. Foundation, which Bob was a proud and consistent supporter of following his son's two bouts with cancer. Online donations may be made by visiting their website at v.org, or checks may be mailed to: The V Foundation, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513.

For those unable to attend, please use the link below to access the livestream:

https://vimeo.com/event/5207384