David Everett Ward, 81, of Pensacola, FL, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 20, 2025.

David was born on August 23, 1943. He proudly served his country in the US Air Force from 1961 to 1965, worked for the city of Pensacola for 15 years and then retired from federal service in 2001. David was a life-long car enthusiast, street rodder, custom metal fabricator, dirt track race car driver, and small boat builder. He built several replicas of 1958 Cushman motor scooters from scratch and even hand built his own J3 Piper Cub airplane from a set of plans that he purchased. A DIY concrete mixer, log splitter, and a bandsaw sawmill are just a few of the many projects his creative mind produced. Upon hearing of his passing, many people have contacted the family to say that they appreciated all the things he had done for them over the years, and all the knowledge and experience he had shared with them. Those who knew him well said they regarded him as one of the most intelligent, creative and kindest people they had ever known. His presence will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his father, John David Ward; his mother, Louise Winiford Ward; and his two sisters, Ruth Lowe and Carol Pfiffer.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Ressie Ward; his three children, Sherry, Tim, and David; and his brother, Richard Ward. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Kristina Wiggins, Euan Ward, Gavin Ward, Sadie Ward, Genesis Stroud, Trinty Stroud and Lydia Stroud; as well as four great grandchildren, Keeley Wiggins, Kailyn Wiggins, Kinsleigh Thomas, and Tatum Ward.

Visitation will be held 5:00pm-7:00pm Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32504. Casual attire is encouraged; jeans are appropriate. Funeral Services will be held 12:00noon Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Rev. Jim Duck officiating. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station Pensacola, 1 Cemetery Rd., Pensacola, FL. Attendees are kindly asked to dress casually, jeans are appropriate.

Active pallbearers will be Mikel Tristan Jones, Shaun St. Prix Perez, Zachary R. Day, Gavin Ward, Stephen Durkin, and Jay Thorsen.