Obituary of William G. Ward

William “Bill” G. Ward, 84, of Mecklenburg, NY passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Cayuga Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ithaca with his wife and daughter by his side after an extended illness. He was born in Montour Falls, New York on June 10, 1939, the son of Albert and Gertrude Ward. Bill attended Watkins Glen High School. He married the former Linda L. Howell on December 7, 1968 in Dundee, NY and they enjoyed 54 years of marriage. Bill was a Truck Driver for Agway of Ithaca, retiring after 32 years. He also was a Corrections Officer at Schuyler County Sheriffs’ Department, retiring from there in 2015. Bill was a member of the Mecklenburg United Methodist Church, spent 56 years with the Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Company (past fire chief), and was a member of Schuyler County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. He loved to go for rides with his wife and was an avid hunter. Bill was always ready to lend a helping hand and loved his family with all his heart. He was predeceased by his parents, in-laws Howard and Mildred Howell, grandson Bret Dudgeon, sister Rosemary Williammee, and son Daniel Thorp. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; daughter, Caminda (Ted) Dudgeon of Cayuta, NY; two sons, Christopher (Kathleen) Ward of Mecklenburg, NY and Paul (Beth) Thorp of Ithaca, NY; daughter-in-law, Darlene Thorp of Whitney Point, NY; nine grandchildren, Sharon, Josh, Chris, Katie, Ryan, Ashlee, Matt, Samantha and Casey; seven great-grandchildren and several loving nieces and nephews. Bill’s family would like to thank his caregivers at Cayuga Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for making his last few months easier. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, July 16, 2023 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, 122 North Genesee Street, Montour Falls, NY. Bill’s funeral service will begin at 1:00. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery of Hector. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 108, Mecklenburg, NY 14863, Mecklenburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 66, Mecklenburg, NY 14863, or Schuyler County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, 106 Tenth Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.