Paul Nelson Ware

Paul Ware, pilot, engineer, and inventor, died peacefully Tuesday, January 7, at his home in Rome, GA. He was 89 years old.

A lifelong innovator and seeker of justice, Paul was born Paul Nelson Ware in 1935 in Rome, GA, to parents Doris and James Ware. Paul graduated from Rome High School in 1953 and then attended Georgia Institute of Technology from 1953-1960. Part of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Paul worked his way through college as a co-op student, earned a Navy ROTC scholarship his senior year, and graduated from GA Tech with a degree in mechanical engineering. Paul flew A4-Ds as a Navy pilot from 1960-1965 as part of the Rampagers VFA 83 Attack Squadron, mainly off of the U.S.S. Forrestal. In 1961, Paul met his first wife, Penny, while at a training school in Memphis. After the navy, Paul worked briefly for IBM before entering his career as a flight engineer for Pan American from 1966 - 1985.

Although a diabetes diagnosis in 1985 ended his professional flying career, Paul was not idle as he spent his remaining years as an innovator and entrepreneur. He met his second wife, Joan, in 1986. Paul said, "My longtime friends, the Tillmans, wanted me to meet Joan who was working at Knight's Jewelers at the time. Denise set up a date and put a note on Joan's desk. I showed up at Knight's and told Joan that she was my date. It was all news to her because she hadn't seen Denise's note on her desk. It went uphill from there." Paul's drive and intelligence led to multiple patents, some of which we still use today.

Paul was a loyal friend, father, and husband with a dynamic wit and personality. Those who knew Paul well would agree that he was, "Not always right, but never in doubt." One story in particular that frames the personality of Paul Ware happened while at GA Tech. One afternoon after lunch, Paul succumbed to dozing, and the instructor said loudly, "Bored, Mr. Ware?" Paul immediately stood straight up and said, "No sir! I'm never bored in my own presence." The same scenario played out during a training course with IBM. Paul's quip caused such a clamor that after the laughter had subsided, the instructor sighed and said, "I think we can all use the afternoon off."

Paul is survived by his wife, Joan; three children, Dabney, James, and Sue; step-children, Stacey and Shane; and multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren.

According to Paul's desires, he is being cremated and there will be a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to your favorite charity.