Willie Elbert Ward

Willie Elbert Ward, 86, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 13th, 2026. Funeral service to be conducted at Pensacola Memorial Gardens, February 28th, 2026, at 1pm. Visitation beginning at 12 noon.

The youngest of 5 children, Willie was born in Fort Deposit, Alabama on March 2, 1939, to Robert and Alice Ward. Willie graduated from Troy University with a degree in accounting while serving in the Army National Guard. Out of college he began working as an accountant for the St. Regis Paper company in Pensacola, before eventually joining the Internal Revenue Service. Willie ultimately left the IRS to become an entrepreneur in the fuel and oil industry owning his own service station and tire store.

Willie will be remembered for his kind nature and instinct for helping those in need. He was a devout Baptist who read his bible daily. He loved the peacefulness of the countryside, tending to his cows, and Alabama Crimson Tide football.

Willie is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Alice Ward; brothers, James and Bud; and sister, Lizzie Mae. He is survived by his beloved wife Margaret Lucille Thornton, his daughter Teresa Wright (Brian), his brother Robert Ward (Faye), as well as, step-children, Debbie Anstead, Cliff Anstead (Pam), Mark Anstead; grandchildren, Scott Rogers (Nicole), Kylie Boyle (Michael), Megan Hughes (Zackery), Mitchell Wright, Chris Hill (Lane), Andrew Hill (Samantha), Michael Anstead (Mandi), Kimberly Raul (Valencia), Jessica Vasquez (Fausto) and 17 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 12pm until the service begins at 1pm.