Clarence E. “Billy”Ware of Homewood, at 88 years old transitioned to eternal life with his Lord, Jesus Christ, on January 25, 2018. A devoted husband, father, grandfather & great-grandfather, he loved his family sacrificially, served his church wholeheartedly, and brought laughter and joy to every relationship. Billy was born on August 31, 1929 in Detroit, MI, but was raised in Minooka, AL near Calera. A gifted athlete, he played basketball and baseball at Calera High School and was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at Birmingham Southern College where he played basketball. After serving in the Air Force, he worked as V.P. of T.M Burgin Demolition Co., and continued to use his gifts of leadership and service through Alabama Ministries and Meals on Wheels. As a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood, he taught the Friendship Sunday School class, served in multiple leadership roles, and implemented Cross Training, an after school program for middle schoolers. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Martha Ann Galloway Ware, of Birmingham, AL and his 3 children: William Galloway Ware (Kathy Bryant Ware), Helen Annette Ware Burgin (William Merritt Burgin III), and Virginia Elizabeth Ware Walker (Douglas C.Walker III), along with 10 grandchildren: Helen (Cory) Nabors, Mary Beth (James) Piedra, Lucy (Mike) Aitcheson, Chip (Ashley) Walker, Lynne (Pedro) Camargo, Margaret (Eric) Vinsant, Elizabeth (Matthew) Courtner, Katherine (Patrick) Farmer, Merritt Burgin IV, Marshall (Raina) Burgin and 14 great-grandchildren. A service celebrating Billy’s life will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, Saturday, January 27th, at 3 pm. The family will receive visitors from 1 -3 pm at the church preceding the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Trinity United Methodist Church or Birmingham Southern College Billy Ware Scholarship Fund. Services are under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood.

Source:  Birmingham News (AL) – Sunday, January 28, 2018