Ward Kimball Wilcox was born in Fitzgerald, Georgia at Ben Hill County Hospital to the late Pastor Lucius Hosley and Jaulia Annie Wilcox on January 24, 1948.  He was the oldest of their six children.  Ward was baptized at Queensland Chapel C.M.E. Church.  Ward attended schools in the Ben Hill County School System where he graduated from Queensland High School on May 30, 1966.  Upon graduation from high school, he began 26 years of distinguished military service spanning two branches of the Armed Forces.  In 1966, he joined the United States Army and served until he was honorably discharged on August 8, 1972.  Later in 1972, he continued his military career by enlisting in the United States Air Force Air National Guard, where he served until retirement on October 15, 1992.   He was blessed to achieve the rank of Master Sergeant.

Amazingly, Ward was able to manage having two successful careers simultaneously for many years. From 1972 until 1982 he also worked as a lab technician at GAF Timberline Shingles and Roofing Plant in Savannah, Georgia.  Furthermore, from 1982 to 2013 he had a successful career with the Georgia Department of Corrections as a transfer sergeant transporting prisoners. He retired after 32 years of faithful service to the Georgia Department of Corrections.  The last role of his professional career began in 2013 with the Bryan County School System as a bus driver.   He always said, "I went from transporting hard criminals to transporting precious cargo". Whenever school was out, his servant's heart motivated him to work at the Richmond Hill YMCA doing what he loved ….  safely transporting the children to various activities.  He truly lived a life of service…to God , his family, community and country.  He was the embodiment of an excellent work ethic and servant leadership.

Ward married Gwendolyn "Cosey" Wilcox on April 28, 1990 creating a blended family with four children. They enjoyed over 32 years of marriage.  He loved spending time with his grandkids, going to the gym, traveling with Cosey and of course going to work !  His love was felt in the hearts of everyone he touched.

Ward was a faithful member of The Seed Church for 30 years. He was given the title "Captain Ward Wilcox" for his passion for the seed church bus ministry. He went above and beyond the call of duty to drive, maintain and perform service maintenance as needed. His commitment to serve has blessed many of his church family members and ministry guests from all generations and it covers thousands of miles. His care and sacrifice has given countless numbers of people the opportunity to experience the love of God.  He was a man of silent strength that touched, supported and literally moved people.  His dedication and skills for organizing will be missed by his family, church, work, and community.

Ward peacefully departed this life surrounded by his family and beloved Cosey on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. His dedication to his work and family will be missed by his wife, his siblings:  William David Wilcox (Shirley Ann), Lucius Hosley Wilcox, Jr.(Barbara), Lynda Gail Copeland, Sandra Diane Holland (Nathaniel), Annie Ruth Price, his children:  Ward Kevin Wilcox (Charon), Wesley Keith Wilcox, Wendelyn Monique Brown, Elgin Lamar Bennett (Rhonda)  and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2022 at The Seed Church.  Viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m.  Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Georgia Veterans Cemetery in Glennville, GA.