Mr. Garry Wayne Ward, Sr., 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Haven Suwannee Valley Care Center following an extended illness. Garry is the son of the late Jerry "Buck" and Ellen Little Ward.  He was preceded in death by triplet daughters and one brother, Raymond Ward. He was a lifelong resident of Lake City and was part of the Columbia High School graduating class of 1965.  Garry served his country in the Florida National Guard. He also worked and retired from the United States Postal Service after thirty-three years.  Garry attended the Orchard Community Church, was a previous member of the Lake City Elks Lodge, and Hurricane Bay Hunting Club.  He was a member of the Lake City Bass Master's Club and won Mr. B.A.S.S. in a professional bass event in 1986.  He placed 5th in the Wolfson Children's Hospital Tournament in 1993. Garry enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Garry is survived by two daughters, Karri Ward Mauldin (Johnny) and LaShawn Ward, a son, Garry Wayne Ward, Jr. (Crystal) all of Lake City.  Four grandchildren: Kellen (Angel) Snider, Kailyn Ward, Dalton Mauldin, and Jessica (Jeremy) Hunter. Six great-grandchildren, Ryker, Zadie, and Capri Snider; Abbie, Olive, and Jax Hunter.  He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Wanda Ward of Lake City, and a special aunt, Betty Little Neal, of Lake City, FL.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Gateway Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Pastor Chip Parker officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL 32025. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.