Gerald Ray Ward (Jerry), 75, of Lake City, passed away on Thursday morning, July 7, 2022 at the HCA Lake City Hospital after a long battle with the results of Agent Orange.  He was born in Savannah, Georgia on September 15, 1946.  He served his Country for six years in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnamese Conflict where he was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" for Valor along with the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.  He then became a Law Enforcement Officer for over 32 years, starting his career with the VA Hospital Police, then Bay Harbor Islands Police Department, then retiring from the Cooper City, Florida Police Department after 22 years.  Moving to Lake City in 1996, he came out of retirement and worked for the Lake City Police for 7 years before fully retiring.  He was a past member of 3rd Marines, Kilo Company, the Fraternal Order of Police and was a member of the Lake City First Methodist Church.  In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with his family, pets, tinkering on his old cars, gardening, watching NASCAR, scratch off lotto tickets, fishing, baking, cooking the best chicken wings in town and rooting for the Miami Hurricanes.  He is preceded in death by his Mother, June Kicklighter Keeler, Stepfather, J.W. Bacon and Stepmother, Mary L. Bacon.

He is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Gwen Ward of Lake City; children, Richard Ward (Gina) of Starke, Robin Kaufman (David) of Live Oak and RonWard (Kelli) of Green Cove Springs, brother, John W. Bacon (Lydia) of Irving, Texas, his sister, Kimberly Warren (Tom) of Celine, Texas, step-sister, Patricia Gellner of Seaford, Virginia, sister-in-law, Betty Brigman of Homestead, Florida, seven grandchildren, Amanda Laming (Ray), Kyle Kaufman, Jarrod Ward (Sofia), Kaitlyn Godwin (Jason), Madison Ward, Gavin Williams and Emma Ward.  Nine great-grandchildren, LeeAnne and Kayden Kaufman, Liam and Leo Laming and JJ, Aiden, Gannon, Bristol and Braxton Godwin.  His beloved dogs, Pogey and Gabi and his cat, Callie and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A funeral service for Mr. Ward will be conducted on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 11:00 AM with his best friend and Marine Corps brother, Pastor J.B. Johnson of  Asheville, North Carolina officiating.  Interment will follow at 2:30 PM in the Jacksonville National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.  The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of  flowers, at the family's request, donations to St. Jude and/or Tunnels to Towers Foundation (T2T.org) would be appreciated.