WILLIE JAMES WARD

On January, 28, 2021, an intimate, family only service will be held at 12:00 noon at Greater Life Baptist Church, 1012 Derby St. San Diego, CA 92114. Internment will be at Mt, Hope Cemetery, 3751 Market St, San Diego, CA 92102 at 2:00 O’clock p.m. 
Flowers or donations may be sent to Greater Life Baptist Church, 1012 Derby St, San Diego, CA 92114. 

In the early morning hours of Sunday, January 10, 2021, Mr. Willie ‘Bud’ James Ward, beloved son, father, husband and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 69.  

Bud was born on August 27, 1951 in Florence, MS. to Jannie B. Leggett-Ward and U.S Air Force veteran Willie Ward. The family relocated to San Diego, CA in the early 1950’s, where he received his formal education. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln Senior High School and was a proud member of the Class of 1969.  

He worked as a welder after graduation and was a member of the IBEW electricians union for 21 years. Although he was dedicated to his profession, Bud’s real passion was creating music. He was an accomplished vocalist, songwriter and percussionist that worked with and influenced some of the best in the industry.  In addition to recording with some of the greatest jazz musicians in the country, like Cannonball Adderly, one of Bud’s proudest moments was when his group "Power" were invited to tour and be the band for superstar, Barry White, at the historic and world famous Apollo Theater in New York City. His latest musical venture was with gospel quartet, "Men 4 Christ", which earned critical acclaim, numerous awards and are the national face for the House of Blues’ Gospel Brunch. 

He is survived by his wife, Beverly Ward; mother, Jannie B. Hicks of San Diego, CA; brother, Rodney Ward of Chicago, IL; children, Toure Ward of Hartford of CT. Andre and Adrian Ward of San Diego, CA, Brandie Greathouse of Opelika, AL and Larell and Daniel Ward of San Diego, CA. Joshua Quipp, Laria Greathouse and Rayna Jefferson-Ward all of San Diego, CA; 10 grandchildren, a great-grandson and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends to mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by his father and older brother, James Otis Leggett. 

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