Jack "J. L." Ard

Jack Lincoln Ard, Jr. passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026, after 89 blessed years of life. He passed peacefully in his sleep at home while napping in his favorite recliner. J.L was born April 3, 1936 in Thomaston, GA, the first child of Jack Sr. and Albertina Ard. He graduated from Zebulon High School, Class of 1954 and on February 9, 1955, he enlisted in the Navy. Six months later, on August 6, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Dovie Lee Willoughby, in Hernando, MS and he and Dovie Lee embarked on a 68-year-long loving and adventurous life together. J.L. rose rapidly through the ranks and was appointed to the Navy's highest enlisted rank, Master Chief Petty Officer, on 1 January, 1972. He retired from active duty, after a highly successful 21-year Naval career, on August 11, 1975.

In addition to his wife, Dovie Lee and their son Jack L. Ard III, he is predeceased by his parents Jack Sr. and Albertina Ard, his brothers Ben Jeff and Eddie Ard, and his sisters Gennelle Royal, Mavis Garner, Shelia Fenley and Della Durham.

He is survived by his sons James S. Ard and his wife Linda of Margarettsville, NC, John E. Ard and his wife Michele of Lawrenceburg, KY, and his daughter, Deborah L. Welker of Virginia Beach, VA. He is also survived by four sisters, Annette Sandefur, Daphene Caraway, Faith Walton, and Kay Coggins, and three brothers, Aubrey Ard, Lee Ard, and Byran Ard, as well as 13 grandchildren and their spouses, and 19 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Moody-Daniel Funeral Home, 10170 US-19, Zebulon, GA 30295 at 11:00 AM. Immediately following the memorial, a Graveside service will be held at Friendship Presbyterian Church, 1004 Pedenville Road, Concord, Georgia.

Those who wish to remember J.L. in a special way can make donations to the American Heart Association or Dementia Society of America in lieu of flowers.