Robert "Bob" Vernon Ward

A legend, a car guru, loving father, and friend to many, went home to be with the Lord on November 6th, 2020. From the moment Bob Ward was born in Jacksonville, FL on August 8th, 1943, he was a passionate man. Always expressing his love for the things and people that brought him joy. Bob was always sure of what he wanted and let nothing stand in his way. 

     At the age of 17, Bob altered his birth certificate for the opportunity to serve his country in the US Navy. He was stationed on the USS Oriskany (The Mighty O). 

     When Bob returned to land in 1962, he met the love of his life, Linda Kaye (Petty), and they were married soon after in Aiken, South Carolina on November 29th, 1963.

     Bob was an impeccable father to his three daughters Mary Bernice, Bobbie Kaye, & Melody (Apple), and an even better Papa to his ten grandchildren and ten great- grandchildren. He made it his priority to teach his family about God and the love that God has for every one of us. 

     Bob was a provider and an entrepreneur. He had many jobs throughout his life from Car Guru to Police Officer - he was even a Recovery Diver. In the late 1970's, he put his trust in God and started a traveling sales company with a friend, taking his entire family along for the adventure; An experience that remains a part of his daughters favorite childhood memories. They visited Hawaii, Arkansas, and spent some time living in Canada. In 1983 they returned to Florida.

     Bob found his way back to the automotive industry. He earned himself the nickname "Praise the Lord Ward" for his unwavering faith. Bob managed many dealerships, and opened one of his own, Deals On Wheels, as a place for his family to work and learn the trade that he loved.

     Bob was an example of Love and Faith in Christ. He always made time for his family. With his most precious time being spent at home with his wife; holding hands & feeding any animal that roamed into his yard or swam in his pond. Bob committed early on in life to keeping in contact with all the people he valued. He reminded those he loved daily that they were a blessing to him and of the love he had for them. 

     His wishes were for us to know that when his time came, he was ready and that he would be happy to be in the presence of the Lord. It was his request that we not have a funeral. We will, respectively, be holding a celebration of life on Saturday, November 21st, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Spring Park in Green Cove Springs, FL.

     Please join us in honoring this wonderful man. Bring your best Bob stories and a premade dish, if you would like.