Billy Forrest Ward

On the 19th day of September 2021, in his home and surrounded by family, Billy Forrest Ward went peacefully from this world to join his Heavenly Father.

Billy was born on August 8, 1953, to Ardus and Mary Etta Ward, in Lubbock, Texas. Billy was the middle brother, between Gary and Terry. In 1960, the family moved to Amarillo where Billy would attend Robert E. Lee and Crockett Jr. High, and graduate from Tascosa High School in 1971. He spent much of his early childhood at his grandparent's farm in the Roosevelt community where some of the fondest memories were made.

Growing up he enjoyed playing sports. His competitive nature allowed him to excel at just about anything he tried. His favorites being baseball and basketball. He also enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, and all types of games. If you ever played with him, it was no doubt a unique experience and not one to be forgotten.

He met his wife of 48 years in 1972 while dragging Polk Street in downtown Amarillo. They married in August 1973, and he later graduated from West Texas State University with a business degree. He immediately went into the field of banking where he spent more than 20 years with First National Bank and Amarillo National Bank. He then made a career change and began teaching in the AISD where he still taught at the time of his passing. He welcomed hard work and never shied away from long hours, often holding multiple part time jobs. Bill did so without complaint, making sure his family wanted for nothing and was never concerned with himself.

Billy and Sheryl raised two wonderful daughters, Elissa and Amber. Billy's love for and devotion to family was uncompromising and beyond measure. He took pride in coaching his daughters' sports teams and could recall every game, play, and score. This continued to school sports as he attended their practices, held his own practices, and watched as many events as humanly possible in which his grandkids were involved.

Billy was a devoted husband and an amazing dad, but his most cherished title was Grandad. He never missed an opportunity to brag on his grandkids. Some of his favorite times were the annual family trips to Angel Fire enjoying uninterrupted time with family. He encouraged his kids and grandkids to work hard in school and was a great example of how to provide for a family.

Billy was greeted in Heaven by his loving mother, Mary Etta, and his brother, Terry.

He is survived by his wife, Sheryl, his daughter Elissa and husband Brad, daughter, Amber and husband Bret, along with his grandchildren, Madesyn, Cody, Blake, Taylor, Brooklyn, Aaliyah and Emma. Also left to cherish his memory are his brother, Gary and wife Shana, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A celebration of Billy's life will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 25, 2021, in the chapel at Hillside Christian Church, 6100 South Soncy Rd. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.