William Alexander Ward, 96, of Columbus, MS passed away Sunday, March 22, 2015 at AvonLea Assisted Living, Tupelo, MS. Visitation will be Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 12:00PM - 1:00PM at Canaan Baptist Church, Columbus, MS. A funeral service will follow at 1:00PM at Canaan Baptist Church, Columbus, MS with Bro. Danny Avery officiating. Interment will follow in Beersheba Cemetery with Lowndes Funeral Home directing. Mr. Ward was born June 1, 1918 in Elmore County, AL to the late Marion Greely Ward, Sr. and Rosa Lee Kelly Ward. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. Mr. Ward is a retired propane gas salesman and was the owner of Ward's Trailer Park for over 50 years, Ward's and Sons Bait Shop for over 40 years and Ward's Poultry for over 15 years. He was married to Gracie Bell Nickoles Ward for 65 years before she passed away in 2005. In addition to his parents, Mr. Ward is preceded in death by his wife - Gracie B. Nickoles Ward, sons - William Ward, Jr. and Richard Ward, grandchildren - Patrick Ward and Rosita Lynn Ward, and 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Mr. Ward is survived by sons - Henry (Judy) Ward, Tupelo, MS, David (Rebecca) Ward, Bessemer, AL and Frank (Linda) Ward, Atoka, TN; brother - Bobby (Mildred) Ward; 10 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Rick Ward, David Ward, Jr., Robin Kirby Gatto, Liz-Anne Ward Elsea, Josh Ward, Zina W. Hamlet, Amy Ward Haycraft, Michael Ward, Jay Ward and Jackie Ward. Memorials may be made to Ward Adoption Fund c/o Jay Ward, 3225 Forest Hill Drive, Belden, MS 38826.