Bill Bryant Ward

Never Forgotten

Bill Bryant Ward,

The End of an Era

May 10, 1930 –

November 26, 2019

On November 26, 2019, Bill Ward, age 89, died in his home of 24 years surrounded and held by his beloved wife and friend of 42 years, Teresa and other loving family in Wimberley.

He began his life in a rural area known as Limestone Gap in southeastern Oklahoma, son of Bryant Gordon Ward and Irene Mabel(Ashford)Ward.

Growing up during The Depression, the family moved on to McAlester, Oklahoma where he graduated from high school in 1948. An outstanding athlete, he played baseball, football and basketball, attending a New York Yankees scout camp. At the onset of the Korean War, Bill Joined the Air Force, serving as a Staff Sergeant stationed at Fort Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY. In 1960, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Oklahoma where his keen scientific mind was enriched by the majesty of creation and nature. His career was in oil and gas, domestically and internationally, and rose to become a well-regarded oil executive.

Bill had a servant’s heart, and this was known especially by his family, friends and community. An ordained Elder of Wimberley Presbyterian Church, he was instrumental as the sound engineer (like so many of his self-taught professions) who was rock solid in showing up for any event, memorial or service for 19 years. He was admired and described by many as loyal and trustworthy in all his endeavors whether helping a friend get to a doctor’s appointment or giving refuge to those who needed a place to stay.

A proud member of the Choctaw Nation, he was a descendant of a Choctaw Chief from the Trail of Tears and his grandfather was instrumental on the Tribal Council. This was the seed that germinated into his adventurous spirit that thrived in nature and all his outdoor accomplishments. Having traveled the world, he hiked and climbed mountains in Indonesia and many places in the United States. As a lover of nature, he thrived at golf, winning tournaments and other pursuits like sailing and windsurfing. For those who knew him locally, he amazed people that he climbed “Old Baldy” up to 10 times a day in his 80’s!

Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Teresa, his daughter, Vicki Ward and her husband, Jim McRae of Vashon Island, WA, his daughter, Kim Hyde and her husband, Gray of Wimberley, TX granddaughters, Dr. Anna Bowden and her husband, Rev. Brent Bowden of Rochester, NY, Amber Hyde a freshman at Syracuse University, NY, Cassie Hyde Wilson and her husband, Mitchell, of Kerrville, TX, Grandsons, Bryant Vestal of Wimberley, TX, and Jacob & Jason McRae of Vancouver, B. C. He is also survived by his nephew Cole Ward and nieces Cherokee Spellacy, Jody Marshall, and Wauhillau Erbe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bryant Gordon and Irene Mabel Ashford Ward, and his brother, Eugene Gordon Ward.

A celebration of Bill’s life was held December 2 at Wimberley Presbyterian Church.

Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to The Big Bend Conservancy at bigbendfriends.org or Wimberley Presbyterian Church.

A special thanks to Teresa’s brother Dr. Kenneth R. White, Bluebonnet Hospice of Wimberley, and friends and family who visited with Bill and helped us navigate this journey.

“May his memory be a blessing for all those who knew him.”