Horace Ervin Ard, 78, went home to be with the Lord on June 10, 2014 in Fairhope.
He was born Sept. 27, 1935 to Richmond and Celia Ard in Milton, Fla.
Horace was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara Jean Ard; and two brothers, Donald Ard of Pensacola and DeWayne Ard of California.
He is survived by his daughters, Rosa Andrus (Phil) of Texas, Wanda Richburg (John) of Texas, Teresa Timothy (Randy) of Pensacola and Jeri Ryder (Phil) of Pensacola; two sons, Ricky Ard (Billie) of Panama City, Fla. and Malcolm Ard (Kelly) of Pensacola; two brothers, Glen Ard of Fairhope and Robert Ard (Rita) of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; two sisters, Patricia Gilmore of California and Jeanette Francisco (Clark) of California; and his loving lady, Linda Bradley of Mobile.
Early on, Horace tried his hand at many interesting jobs, including boxing, electrician, bar manager and sales representative before he settled into a career with Gulf Distributing in Mobile. He served there for 34 years, ultimately as executive vice president.
He retired to Fairhope, spending his time pursuing many varied interests.
Horace was an avid competitive golfer and member at the Quail Creek Golf Course, where he occasionally worked.
He was loyal to his football team, Roll Tide!
Horace was kind, gentle, fun loving and never met a stranger. His love of people and Fairhope led him to volunteer in the community.
He helped to build the park at Church and Morphy in the mid-‘90s. As an active Lions Club member, he participated in many fundraisers for community and charitable organizations.
Horace’s favorite interest by far was his family. He was an ever-present, involved, loving father, grandfather, uncle and brother. His unconditional love will be held in the hearts of the people whose lives he has touched along the way.
A celebration of life will be held in the chapel of Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope on Saturday, June 14, 2014, at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Gentiva Hospice, or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Fairhope.
