Jerry Bruce "Jabo" Ward was born on September 1, 1951, in Cleveland, Mississippi, to L.B. and Frances Robinson Ward.  He was raised on their small farm east of Parchman, Mississippi.  Time spent working on the farm with his father and hunting in the nearby woods and fields cultivated a love of the outdoors that stayed with him for his entire life.  Jabo had a reputation as an expert marksman.  He'd laugh and say, "I had to be.   When I'd go hunting, Mama would give me only one shell, so I had to make it count!" That same "dead-eye" and strong work ethic led him to his career.  He flew for 33 years as an agricultural pilot, aka, Crop Duster with over 30,000 flight hours.  He and his wife, Lyle, owned and operated (with the help of their sons, daughter, Brandi, and their friends) Ward Air Service at the Ruleville-Drew Airport until 2005, when a heart attack with anoxic brain injury "grounded" his flying career.

Jabo was an "All or Nothing kind of guy."  He gave everything he had into everything he did.  He was strong, had a huge heart, and loved as strong and hard as he worked and played.  His greatest pride and joy was his family.  He adored his children and never missed an event they were involved in except an occasional summer baseball game, to which he'd fly over to catch the score and blow smoke!

One of the greatest joys in his life was an early morning duck hunt with his boys and his friends.  He loved his friends deeply, and his zest for life, fun-loving sense of humor, and unforgettable smile made him easy to love back.  At a recent reunion of several classes from Drew High School, Jabo was honored with "An Afternoon with Jabo," and it was one of the greatest highlights of his life.  A recent text reads, "Jabo was definitely a bright light of happiness wherever he was. Always had that sweet little devilish smile!  Never knowing what he was up to!"  Other texts read, "He was one of a kind", "a Great Man", "a Fighter for sure", and "Tough!"  Several wrote, "Jabo was the best friend I ever had."   And everyone has a Jabo story!  These Jabo stories will live on in the hearts and minds of his many loved ones. We will cherish them and cherish the memories.

A stroke in 2017 left Jabo paralyzed.  He spent the last 3 1/2 years in Walter B. Crook Nursing Facility in Ruleville, Mississippi, and was a favorite of other residents and staff.  His family would like to thank all of the professional healthcare staff and especially Dr. Cosue for their exceptional care and compassion.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Lyle Johnson Ward; children, Ben Herring (Alicia), Brian "Bozo" Ward (Rachel), Rob Holladay (Wendy), Brandi Ward Hyatt (Brett), Dusty Ward (Taylor), and Ashley Ward Baity.  He was "Pop Pops" to grandchildren, Grace and Luke Ward; Sydney, Taylor and William Holladay; Lexi, Brody and Hartli Grace Herring; Aiden and Arabelle Hyatt; and Myles Jabo Ward.  He was adored by big sister, Frances Corley and her daughters, Kim, Sheri, Kathy, and Angel.


Graveside service will be Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at 11am in Lehrton Cemetery,Ruleville. Special thanks to Dr. Johnny Bley, friend, fishing buddy, and former pastor for  officiating the services; to lifetime friend, hunting partner, and "brother" Tommy Goodwin for his tribute to Jabo; to his daughter, Dr.Brandi Hyatt, for singing "Wind Beneath My Winds," to granddaughter, Sydney Holladay for singing her Pop Pops' favorite song, "Amazing Grace," and to the Pallbearers, who will be his four sons, Ben Herring, Brian Ward, Rob Holladay, and Dusty Ward, son-in-law, Brett Hyatt, and grandson, Luke Ward. And special thanks to Glenn Holloway and pilots for the missing man formation flyover.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint."   Isaiah 40:31

A Crop Duster's Prayer

When all the goals are reached at last,
When all the flying's done,
I'll have to say with no regret—Indeed! I had some fun.
So when all my work on earth is done, and I can reach no higher,
My prayer this day with hands extended, please welcome home this Flyer.

Williams and Lord of Ruleville is in charge. Online guest may be signed at www.williamsandlord.com