Cecil "Rhett" Ward Jr.

Cecil "Rhett" Ward, Jr., loving husband, father, and proud Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 at the age of 81. Born in Waycross, GA in 1944, Rhett graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1968 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. His time at Tech shaped the course of his life, instilling in him a love of engineering, innovation, and the camaraderie of the Yellow Jacket community that never faded.
Starting in the Co-op program and continuing after graduation, Rhett, began a distinguished 40 year career with Georgia Power, where his expertise, leadership, and steady dedication helped power communities across Georgia. After his retirement from Georgia Power, Rhett was instrumental in helping launch PowerSecure Inc., where he continued to share his wisdom and work ethic for another 20 years. His contributions to the energy industry were marked by integrity, ingenuity, and a deep sense of purpose.
Beyond his professional achievements, Rhett's greatest joy came from his family. He was a caring husband to Lillian, a devoted father to Nikki and Cecil, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones.
A lifelong fan and season ticket holder for more than five decades of Georgia Tech athletics, Rhett could often be found cheering on his Yellow Jackets, win or lose, with unwavering enthusiasm. His passion for the school and its spirit was infectious, and he wore his white and gold with pride.
Rhett will be remembered for his intellect, humor, loyalty, and his deep love for both his family and Georgia Tech. His legacy lives on in the colleagues he inspired, the family he dearly loved, and in the cheers for the Jackets.
Rhett is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Lillian; his daughter, Nikki Spurgeon (Patrick); and his son, Cecil Rhett Ward III (Ashley). He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Elexus Sachse, Cameron Sachse (Samantha), and CR Ward IV, as well as his beloved great-granddaughter, Scarlett Sachse. He leaves behind his siblings, Mary Lehman (Gary) and Craig Ward, along with many dear family members and friends.
Rhett was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Rhett Ward Sr.; his mother, Thelma Creig Ward; and his brothers, Robert "Tiny" Clark and James Clark.
A celebration of Rhett's life will be held on Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at 11:00 am at FBC Hapeville, 612 College Street, Hapeville, GA 30354. Guests are asked to please wear white and gold or Georgia Tech gear in honor of Rhett's love of the Jackets. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Georgia Tech Alumni Association in his memory.
"To Hell with Georgia, and Go Jackets!"