William "Bill" Ward, Sr., 78, of Ludowici, Ga. passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.  The Illinois native and former resident of Montana had lived in Long County the past year and several months.  He lived most of his life in Montana and served his country in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War. He worked at the Bonner Mill in Montana and was an avid fisherman and hunter.  He loved his time spent in the "BOB". Family and friends were very important to Bill.

Survivors are his spouse, Eileen of Ludowici; a daughter, Mandie Preston of Missoula, Mt.; 3 sons, Bill, Jr. (Janey) Ward of Ft. Collins, Co., Brad (Katie) Ward and Jason (Bridget) Ward, both of Missoula, Mt.; a step-son, Bert (Mary) Pryor of Ludowici; two sisters, Shirley Snider of Billings, Mt. and Carol (Dennis) Serviss of Missoula, Mt.; a lifetime friend, Fred Beyer.

Private memorial services will be held by the family.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.