1946-2026
Wally died September 8th at Waterman Hospital in Tavares, Florida after a long summer of illness with his wife by his side.
Born September 5th,1946 in Arkansas, he made it to his 80th birthday. On September 6th, 1969, he married the love of his life, former Anita June (Bugs) Stout and she survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Heather D. Steele (Aaron Gamby); grandchildren Burl (Trey) Steele, Taelar Steele, and Nate Gamby; sisters-in law Melody Long, Christine (David) Stupp; brother-in-law Bob Stout; several nieces and nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Johnnie Ward and in-laws Thelma and Carl Stout.
He graduated from Degraff High School in 1964. He worked as a lifeguard at Beatley’s and Fox Island and the old amusement park at Indian Lake during summers; worked at United Phone Co., Daring Chevrolet as body man and body shop manager for several years, became an Insurance adjuster for Continental Insurance in Springfield and Columbus, became one of 8 men who trained to become heavy equipment adjusters in the U.S., and started his own company, A-Ward Adjusting Services, which he ran for over 20 years until his retirement in 2013.
He loved life and his family, loved to tell stories and jokes and making people laugh. Golf played a big part in his life. He and June were members of the Bellefontaine Country Club and then when it became Liberty Hills from 1970-2018, when they moved to Florida permanently. He went on a lot of golf trips with friends over the years. He loved playing at courses in Florida and at the course at Sunlake with friends. He will be greatly missed.
Per his wishes, he will be cremated and his ashes will be scattered in his favorite spots. A Celebration of Life will be held at Sunlake Community Center on October 25th, Grand Island, Florida. Another will be held in Bellefontaine, Ohio at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, etc., donations can be made to Relay for Life in your community, the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or your favorite Charity.
