Jerald Samuel Ward, 76, of Pensacola, FL, passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital, on Saturday, November 13, 2021, after a long illness.

Jerald was born in Century, FL on March 11, 1945, to Ollie B. and Thelma Ward. He was the last remaining of 3 brothers. Jerald graduated Choctawhatchee High School in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Class of 1963, afterward attending Pensacola Junior College.

In 1965 he married his wife of 51 years, Sandra, who preceded him in death.

Jerald joined the US Air Force in 1966 and was stationed at Tyndall Air Force base until his discharge in 1969. Jerald worked for Baskerville Donovan Engineers, previously Patterson Associates, for 40 years before retiring in 2009 and going to work for the City of Milton as Director of Public Works. While at Baskerville Donovan he began his role of Santa Claus at the company's annual Children's Christmas Party. This included his own family and later his grandchildren. This led to riding the fire truck in the Town of Jay Christmas Parade and then the Milton Christmas Parade.

Jerald is survived by his two sons, Timothy J. Ward (Theresa) of Pensacola, FL and Jerald C. Ward of Pensacola, FL; three grandchildren, Alexia Marie Ward, Danielle Sierra Ward and Gavin Andrew Ward.

A memorial gathering will be held 2:00pm Monday, November 22, 2021, at Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens with a private interment to follow. Dress is casual.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Toys for Tots in our favorite Santa's name.