Obituary of Melvin S. Ward

Melvin S. Ward, formerly of Daytona Beach and Ocala, Florida, and recently living with his daughter Dianne Maxwell and her husband, David Maxwell, in Winter Park, Florida, transited to join his late wife of forty-eight years, Betty Frost Ward, on June 11, 2009. Melvin was born in Daytona Beach, Florida on January 1, 1926 to Lonnie and Rebecca Ward. After graduation from Mainland High School he joined the army in WWII and was immediately sent to Europe following basic training to join the 8th armored tank division under the command of General Patton. His tank division landed on D Day and forged inland ultimately fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. Mel and his division were there to welcome Patton and his main tank forces as they arrived after the Battle had been won. Following the war he returned stateside to marry the love of his life, Betty Frost, on January 27, 1946. He began his first career as a master electrician working in Bradenton, Florida and later Augusta, Georgia where he also assisted the Federal Bureau of Investigation. There he met a close friend in the insurance business and enrolled in college to train as an agent with Fidelity Life Insurance Company, now Allianze. He was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table for many years, receiving numerous sales awards and operating a general agency, first in Gainesville, Florida and later in Clemson South Carolina. He lived in Clemson until his official retirement, continuing to work personally with his insurance clients until his death. Melvin was state president of the Rotary Club for South Carolina and active in many charity fund raisers. He was a Southern Baptist deacon, heading up missions in Albania and across the US, and with his niece Judi Lother of Ocala, started a number of bible schools in Albania. He led disaster teams for both the First Baptist Church of Daytona and the First Baptist Church of Ocala, traveling to serve food and supplies throughout Florida and the South.Mr. Ward is survived by his daughter, Dianne Maxwell, Winter Park, Florida (David); three grandchildren, Steven (Suzanne) Wingo, Ocala, Florida; Laura (Douglas) Skiles, Jacksonville, Florida; Matthew (Vicki) Wingo, Alpharetta, Georgia; seven great grandchildren, Jordan and Allie Wingo, Jacob, Sam and Ingrid Maria Skiles, and Cameron and Kiera Wingo; his friend and companion of fourteen years, Elizabeth Williamson, Ocala; his sisters, Wilma Thibeaud and Thelma Parker, and brother, Ronald Ward; and numerous other nephews and nieces. In addition to his wife and parents, his brothers James Ward and Marvin Ward and sister Alma Gowan also preceded him in death. Mel was always the joyful soul who never met a stranger. He wrote songs and poems to those he loved and shared fascinating stories with all he met. The mischievous twinkle in his eye, humor, and laughter were treasured by each person privileged to know him. He endeared himself with his ready smile and wave for each of the staff and residents of Winter Park Towers where he spent his later days. Papa, we miss you.