Bo Ward

Mr. Billy Joe Ward, or known best to most as “Bo” was born June 26, 1922 to the late Mr. Ira Ward and Mrs. Vennie Jo (Skaggs) Ward at Wilson, OK. He passed away Saturday July 12, 2008 at his home in Wilson.

Bo was reared at Wilson attending school at Wilson and graduated from Wilson High School in 1941. After graduation he entered the United States Navy, September 10, 1942. He served honorably at the Naval Air Station in Norman, California and later at Wake Island in the Pacific before being honorably discharged in January of 1946. He and the former Ms. Johnnie B “Be” Davis were united in marriage February 11, 1943 at Ringling, OK. This union brought 65 wonderful years of marriage. After Bo’s military service, he began employment for the Oklahoma Pipe Line Company in Wilson and was employed with them for the next 15 years. Then he and Be opened the well known store, Wards Hardware and Appliance Store and the Wilson Tag Office in 1960. In 1964, Bo was elected president of the Hewitt-Bomar Pt. Cemetery Association, and was often seen working at theses cemeteries until just a couple of years ago. Bo was currently still serving the cemetery board as President.

Bo had always been very active in the community of Wilson, serving on the City Council for 8 years and was the Mayor of Wilson for four years. With Be’s help they brought many joys and happy memories to children and families with their “Christmas Light Park” off highway 70 in Wilson. He was also very involved in the construction of the Wilson City Park.

Woodworking was a very active hobby for Bo. He constructed the many wonderful Christmas Figurines and decorations used in the Christmas Park, but also made many gifts for their friends and furniture for their home. He was always considered a superior craftsman.

Bo will be remembered for his many talents, but also for being a dedicated servant to the community of Wilson, His love for children and his ethic of hard work. He was a devoted member of the Ash Street Church of Christ for many years.

Preceding him in death is his Parents, 2 Brothers, Kenneth Ward and Irvin Ward, 2 Sisters, Marie Ray and Wadina Corona, Sister-in-laws, Sis Turner and Ilene Davis and 1 Brother-in Law Gib Davis .

Survivors include his loving Wife “Be” of the home, Nephew, Charles K. Corona of Wilson, Niece Cindy Billinghurst and Husband Mike of Long Beach, CA, Brother-in-laws, Ray Davis of Wilson and Doyle Davis and wife Edie also of Wilson. Sister-in-law Betty Davis of Wilson. 2 Special Granddaughters, Nicki and MaKayl Gray. Numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Gray, L.C. Loving, Keythal Horn, R.D. Powell, Charles Lamb, Charlie Steele and Jeff Jones.

Honorary Bearers will be the Hewitt- Bomar Pt. Cemetery Association Board Members.

Memorials may be sent in memory of Bo to the Hewitt Bomar Pt. Cemetery Association at P.O. Box 360, Wilson, OK 73463.

Family visitation will be from 6-8pm Monday evening at the funeral home in Wilson.