Celebration of Life, Dr. William J. Ware, January 30, 1943- March 23, 2017

A Tribute to My Husband To the love of my life, My classy, handsome, intellectual, and adventurous man. Before I met you, I asked my dearest friend (who met you first) to describe you. She said you were a "real man!" I didn't quite understand what she meant, until I met you. Yes, you were all that and so easily became my everything.
You brought so much love and joy to my life every hour of every day. You were my knight, my hero, my protector, my partner, my best friend ...my true love. We truly honored our vows to love and cherish each other in both sickness and health. You may no longer be in this physical plane, but you will live on in my heart forever! We are forever, you and I! I love you with all my heart! - Carole
A Tribute to Our Fatber To my father, whom I loved so dearly. I remember our trip to the Botanical Gardens in Brooklyn, NY where you told me that you loved me. I remember it like it was yesterday. I will forever live with that knowledge. You will be missed dearly but I know you're at rest and peace in the arms of the Lord. - Wanda
Pops! To the Greatest Man I've EVER known. No fear for ME in this lifetime with YOU as my guide. I'm GOOD! You can't be sad or mad when you've seen the light, and through YOU I have. I'm looking forward to seeing you again, hearing you laugh , seeing your smile, and tracing in your footsteps as I have since a youth! Fly POPS Fly! Go as high as you want, because you're above the clouds. We're good here because... 'YOU' DID IT RIGHT! Thank you, LORD for your best share, MY DAD!!! CIAO ...FOR NOW!! Job "WELL" done! -Be
I could never see my dad as gone, he's way too cool for that. He'll be remembered as the "great memory maker" in my book. The one who never left. I still feel his force as he threw me in the pool at the age of four and I couldn't swim a lick. He told me "swim to daddy." I made it out though. He was the "1st time" dad ... Like the first time I ever heard someone order a Big Mac Meal from McDonald's MINUS THE MEAT! Or, the time we went to Waffle House and he asked the cook to clean the side of the grill that our food would be

cooked on because we don't eat pork. That's my classic dad and he left me so many unforgettable stories to retell. He will forever be a vivid image in my mind and his spirit will FOREVER be with me, as if he never left. His intellect, class, humor, style, super swag, and charming personality are just a few words that come to mind when I wrote this tribute. Trust me, I have several stories for each word. My dad was a "G", a man's man, an admirable gentlemen, and my HERO. No tribute could hold enough words to really express what a great man you truly are. Salute to the coolest dad ever... FOREVER! There can only be one you! I love u dad! - Eboni

Dr. William J. Ware January 30, 1943- March 23, 2017

Obituary Reading- Myrna Anderson-Fuller Reflections- Dr. Carole Ware, Wanda Fea ter, Marquez Ware , Eboni Ware Remembering My Friend- Ron Tann Remarks- Open to Guests (limit 2 minutes each) Closing Remarks- Andrea Tolbert Prayer
"My Life on Earth was very good As earthly life can go, But Paradise is so much more Than anyone can know."-Anonymous

Dr. William 1. Ware was an incredible , wonderful, and classy man , who will be deeply missed and always cherished. He was affectionately called "Hon" by his wife, " Pops and Dad" by his children, "Grandpa and Poppa Ware" by his grandchildren, and either "Rocky, Bill, Uncle Bill , Junior, William , or Doc Ware" by all those who loved him and knew him well. No matter what he was called, he had a special connection to so many. He was an amazing, loving husband , father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend like no other.
William's journey began on January 30, 1943, in Kinston, NC. He was the eldest child to the late William and Alice Vivian (Dunn) Ware. As a young child, he moved with his parents to New York, where his siblings Vincent, Pete, Melvin, and Gloria were born. William spent his childhood there, grew up, went to school, and made many lifelong friends. As the oldest child, he took responsibility seriously, and frequently helped his mom take care of his brothers and sisters. William learned to cook very well, while watching his mother in the kitchen. He graduated from the High School of Fashion Industries in 1961. Growing up in Brooklyn, William embraced the mixed cultural flavors of people, foods, dance, and languages. As a young man, he began working and making his niche in life.
William's journey brought him to the fashion and modeling industry. He enjoyed life and fashion, while becoming one of the top African American male print ad models in NY. His work often brought him in front of the camera with actors and celebrities, such as Ann-Margret, Gina Lollobrigida, Susan Taylor, and other top models. He was often being photographed by renowned fashion and portrait photographer, Richard Avedon.

In 1965, William was blessed with his first child, Wanda. That same year, William was inducted into the Army and became a Specialist 4 (SP4,) and was attached to the Medical Corps in Germany during the Vietnam War. After proudly serving our country, he was honorably discharged, and was decorated with both the National Defense Service Medal and that of Marksman (Rifle).
William later married his high school sweet heart, LaVerne Bogans , and together they had two beautiful children, Marquez "Be" and Eboni. William and LaVerne had many successful years in business together in both the fasruon industry and health food stores in Brooklyn, NY.
After relocating to Georgia, William excelled in the insurance field, establishing his own company, William J. Ware & Associates, Inc. , a successful Risk Management and Insurance consulting company. He was dedicated and worked hard for the communities he served.
William's journey then brought him face-to-face with the love of hi life. He met Carole Wiggins in 1993, by a stroke of luck. William and Carole were brought together by their mutual best friends, and were married on April 9, 1994. They enjoyed their blended, beautiful families, fascinating lives, world travels, art collections, professional and community works, and their educational pursuits together. William and Carole earned their Ph.D.'s together in the field of African/Native American Studies. William loved politics and pursued his studies into the conflicts endured that Africans, African Americans, and Native Americans through early laws, treaties, and political injustices.
William always believed in giving back to the community. He said it was his way of "paying civic rent" for the privilege of being here. He became a well-respected voice in ills community. He was co-founder and publisher of Return on Premium, an insurance industry trade publication. He also served as president of the Atlanta Association of Insurance Professionals (AAIP) and was chairman of the Atlanta

Exchange Foundation. William was known for facilitating large fundraising events and conferences, including the annual AAIP Insurance Banquet and Scholarship Awards Programs to advance education for youth. He took his business, civic, and professional duties to heart.
William was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 20 I0. He quietly struggled, stayed optimistic, and fought a courageous and heroic battle throughout. He moved to sunny Arizona with his wife in 2016, where he spent his final days. He enjoyed sitting around the pool, laughter of family and friends, and being loved and pampered by his wife and family. William and Carole lived an extraordinary, loving, exciting, and beautiful Iife together for near! y 23 years.
William loved his family. He leaves behind his wife, Dr. Carole Michelle Ware; his children, Wanda Feaster, Marquez "Be" Ware and his wife Tangela Ware , Eboni Ware; their mother LaVerne Bogans; his grandchildren, Autiana Utley, Ellington " Duke" Bruce, Majesty Ware, Michael Poindexter and his wife Amber Poindexter, Isaiah Poindexter; his great-grandchildren Justin DeLoach, Josiah DeLoach, Ashton Poindexter, Makenna Poindexter; his niece Nicole Graham and her husband Jeffrey Graham; sisters-in Jaw Dianne Burbank and her husband Reynold Burbank Sr., Donna Vasvari, and Andrea Tolbert, and a host of family and friends.
Willic:tm lived his life with greatness, energy, dignity, sound mind, and overcame many challenges with his strong-willingness and heart. And so, his incredible journey ended on March 23,2017. Blessings and love to you, William, as you smile from above. Job well-done!
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"As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you."
-Anonymous