Tommy Ward

TOMMY RAY WARD Dad, Daddy, PaPaw Tommy, T, Coach Ward, Coach Tommy was born July 31, 1933 in Commerce to Erskine and Vesta Pruitt Ward. With his family by his side, Tommy passed away peacefully Thursday September 10, 2015 at the Frank J. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home where he had been a resident for five years. In recognition of Tommy's military service in the Army, the staff and residents stood at attention while Taps was being played. The family was then presented with a U. S. Flag. Tommy grew up in Brazoria, graduating from West Columbia High School where he played football, basketball and baseball. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating. He was very good at being able to turn these simple activities into full blown adventures. Whether it was "discovering" shell reefs with a new prop on the bay or tracking deer that decided not to fall over in the jungles of Cat Spring, you never knew what the day would hold. With his persuasive, don't take no for an answer skills, Tommy successfully sold insurance for a while, was a pretty good mechanic and even threw in teaching Sunday school for good measure. Tommy was proud to be a member of the Masonic Lodge in Brazoria for over 60 years holding the rank of Master Mason. After earning his degree from The University of Texas at Austin, Tommy began the career that was his true passion, teaching and coaching. For over forty years, Tommy never stopped wanting to learn more about the game of football and how to be the best teacher/coach that he could possibly be. Not only did he attend many clinics, he was often asked to be one of the speakers. His coaches and players knew he was always giving 100% and that he expected no less from them. Assistant coaches moving on to head coaching jobs of their own and players becoming successful in so many different fields or occupations gave Tommy a sense of pride that he had done something right. Throughout his many years of coaching, Tommy had stops at Kerrville, Aldine, Spring Branch, HISD Lamar and Brazosport before working at Cy Fair for ten years. He then added Alvin, Pasadena, Baytown Lee, Pasadena again and the last stop Sealy. During his time at Cy Fair, Tommy was an assistant coach on the state championship Basketball team, head football coach for six years and was named Greater Houston Area Coach of the Year 1976. In 1972, as a true testament to his drive and determination to get players to believe in themselves and their team, Tommy came up with the phrase "BOBCAT FIGHT NEVER DIES" at a time when the team was really struggling. For this to still be the rallying cry forty three years later shows how well he was able to engrain the meaning behind it. Tommy earned his master's degree from Prairie View A & M, was a lifetime member of the Texas High School Coaches Association and was elected to the Greater Houston Area Coaches Association Hall of Honor for his coaching achievements. While in Sealy, besides being a daily member of the round table at Tony's restaurant, sharing his "world according to Tommy" views, Tommy was able to become a part of another strong football family. Joining TJ Mills, staff and players during the string of four state championships was a great way for him to come to the end of his coaching career. "Coaching has been fun, the wins and losses important. The most important part though has been the association with so many great people." Tommy is survived by daughters Gayla and husband David Neel of Old Ocean, Julie and husband Billy of Lake Jackson, Amanda Ward of San Diego, CA, Shannon Ward of Katy, and son Wick Ward and wife Monica of Fredricksburg; grandchildren, Andrew Neel, Phillip Neel, Justin Sims, James Sims, Chad Sims, Trent Ward, Jackie Traweek and Addisyn Ward; 20 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by brothers Marcus and Connie Ward, Keith Ward, half sister Frances Socha and half brother Frankie Ward. Tommy was proceeded in death by his parents Erskine and Vesta Pruitt Ward and bother Wendell (Buddy) Ward & sister in law, Judy Ward. Memorial services will be held at 2:30pm, Tuesday September 15, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church (102 Yaupon St. Lake Jackson, Texas). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Genetiva Hospice, 1222 N. Main Ave. Suite 600, San Antonio, TX 78212, or charity of your choice. Honorary pallbearers are: Cy Fair 1967 - 1977 Football players and coaches Cy Fair 1971 State Championship Basketball team and coaches Alvin 1978 - 1981 Football players and coaches Pasadena 1986 - 1989 Football players and coaches Sealy 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 State Championship football teams and coaches.

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