John Ward of Pensacola, 66, died on Friday, February 27, 2015 after a courageous 18-month battle against multiple myeloma. Though he was born in Royal Oak, MI, John grew up in Panama City, FL and considered himself a true southern gentleman. He was a graduate of the University of West Florida (BS) and the University of Southern California (MS). After getting his commission through the Officer Candidate School, he attended the Navy Supply Corps School and later completed post-graduate studies at the Naval Transportation Management School. John served his country for 20 years, receiving many awards and medals including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. After retiring from the Navy, Commander Ward began a new career with civil service as an information technology specialist for the Department of Defense and later, the US Navy. John was an exemplary husband, father, son and friend. He loved God and his country. A selfless man, he always put the needs of others before his own. He was an open-minded individual who treated everyone with respect. He loved to laugh and would tell jokes at every opportunity. He was a life-long learner, referred to by friends as "The Encyclopedia" for his seemingly endless wealth of knowledge and trivia. He enjoyed music, crossword puzzles, puns, old war movies, sci-fi/fantasy novels, ham radio, history, kung fu, and most of all, spending time with his family. Of all his accomplishments, John was most proud of his daughter, Rebecca. He would ask that you not mourn his death, but celebrate his life. He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Ward, Sr. and older brother, Louis Ward, Jr. John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Zeida; daughter, Rebecca; mother, Ouida Ward; younger sister, Jane Blair and a large extended family of numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at 1:00pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00pm, Friday, March 6, 2015 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL. The family wants to thank Dr. M. Boatright and Dr. R. Dissanayake of Sacred Heart; Dr. J. Hiemenz of UF Health-Shands; Dr. D. Buckley; the caregivers at Covenant Hospice as well as the countless other doctors, nurses and support staff for their care and understanding during his illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Daughters of Charity, 500 NW 63rd Ave., Miami, FL 33126 or the UF Health Cancer Center http://cancer.ufl.edu.