Walter Estes Ware Sr. departed from this world at the age of 88 on April 5, 2013. Mr. Ware was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama to Ruby Lee and William Arthur Ware. He attended Deshler High School where he was a drum major in the marching band. Immediately after graduation, Walter enlisted in the US Army and served in A Company 423rdInfantry Regiment where he served in Europe. Captured at the Battle of the Bulge he was a POW in France and later earned a Purple Heart. When he came home Walter returned to school at Auburn University supporting himself playing drums in a swing era band. In 1948, after relocating to Jacksonville, he married the love of his life, Mary White Ware. Mr. Ware was an entrepreneur his entire life, sales being his specialty, and a popular speaker and trainer for many sales organizations. His most recent business adventure was Ware Family Realty, where he went to the office every day. This followed 23 years as an owner of numerous Johnstone Supply stores. Above all else, Walter Ware was a generous man. He helped many to realize their dream with advice and assistance, a true visionary who saw opportunity and followed it through to completion. He was an active member of Riverside Avenue Christian Church, where he sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, was chairman of the board and a trustee and was honored as Layman of the year for the Florida Region. He was a sustaining supporter of the Riverside Children’s Arts Center as well as the Christian Church Camp & Conference Center in Silver Springs. Walter was a philanthropist, musician, world traveler, pilot, restaurateur, master cook, organic farmer, boater and fisherman, active veteran, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. Surviving family members include his loving wife of 64 years, Mary, four children, 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 10:30am at Riverside Avenue Christian Church 2841 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32205 with Minister Kent Dorsey presiding. In lieu of flowers please send donations, in Walter’s name, to Riverside Ave. Christian Church.

Source:  Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, on-line

729 South Edgewood Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205 | 904-388-2711