Clifton Albert Ward

Clifton Albert Ward, of 5600 Hog Mountain Road and former assistant commissioner of agriculture, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at his residence with his family at his side. He was born November 4, 1914 in Pine Park, GA. Mr. Ward was the son of Daniel Patterson Ward and Emma Rogers Ward. He was educated in Pine Park and Cairo, GA public schools. After graduation, he attended Middle GA College and the University of Georgia. He received his BS Degree in Animal Science upon completion. He then went on to receive his Masters Degree in animal nutrition from Iowa State. He returned to UGA where he was a professor of animal science for several years. He spent two years in New York City working for the American Jersey Cattle Club. After which he returned to Athens to continue his dairy farm operation and to teach at UGA. In 1957, he went to work in the GA Department of Agriculture as the dairy section chief, later becoming chairman of the GA Milk Commission and eventually becoming assistant commissioner of agriculture. He spent the rest of his public working career with the state of Georgia Department of Agriculture, retiring in 1978. Upon his retirement, he returned to his farm and family in Bogart, GA. His farm and cows were one of his biggest enjoyments in life along with his family. He was a very productive cattle producer of Santa Gertrudis cattle. In 2003, Mr. Ward was inducted into the GA Cattleman's Hall of Fame for his contributions and dedication to the cattle industry in the state. Through the years, he served in many civic organizations and was an active member and deacon at Bethabara Baptist Church.
Mr. Ward was predeceased by the love of his life, Ruth Miller Ward and son-in-law, John A. Vaughan.
He is survived by children, Mary Ward Vaughan; sons, Albert (Margie) Ward, Lee (Cindy) Ward, and Preston (Bonnie) Ward; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Janice B. Ward.
Funeral services will be Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the chapel of Lord and Stephens, WEST. Entombment will be in Evergreen Memorial Park.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Clarke - Oconee Cattleman's Association and deacons of Bethabara Baptist Church.
The family would like to thank Linda Wood and Jackie Parr for the dedicated service in helping to care for Mr. Ward.
Visitation will be Friday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethabara Baptist Church.
Lord and Stephens, WEST, Bogart, GA is in charge of arrangements.