- Date Of Birth: February 11, 1963
- Date Of Death: May 9, 2022
- State: Florida
Ward Pike Rudder, 59, of Destin, Florida passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 9, 2022, at his home.
Ward was born February 11, 1963, to the late Ruben Francis and Clara Mable Rudder in Mobile, Alabama, but lived most of his life in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. where he graduated from Ft. Walton High School. He was the seventh of eight children. Ward was a wonderful husband, father, and friend to all who knew him. He brought fun and laughter as soon as he walked into the room. He was Bigger than Life. He had a heart of gold, never hesitating to help others out. He had a passion for life and lived it to the fullest.
His love for the game of golf took him to many beautiful courses throughout the southeast.
Even though he said he was shy about singing, he could do a mean Elvis impersonation, much to the joy of his so-called audience. Ward loved to tell stories and jokes which captured the room once he stood up. His zest for life was unmatched and his sense of humor was second to none. He represented the good we all need in our lives.
Ward owned and operated Gulf Coast Landscape Maintenance here in Destin for the past 25 years. He had a passion for bringing beauty to the outdoors and loved creating beautiful wood art décor.
He is survived by his wife, Leslie, sons Jared Rudder Destin, Cody Conant Destin, Evan Sheward (Heather) Atlanta, daughters Sarah Mitchell (Justin) Los Angeles, California, Erin Conrad (Dan) Tallahassee, and Emily Magoon (Russ) Kathleen, Ga. His grandchildren, Hadley, Ava, Caleb, Gideon, Luke, and Beau. He is also survived by his siblings Ross, Bernie, Tony, Terry, and Mary, and a host of extended family. Ward was preceded in death by his sister Beverly.
