Ward Charles Mabry, born June 11, 1921, in Cobb County, Georgia, died November 23, 2016, in Carroll County, Georgia.   He was a self-defined researcher of history, agriculture, and seeker of knowledge.  He was an accomplished businessman, dedicated Methodist, and devoted husband and father.

Mr. Mabry was the fourth son of Harley and Gustie Mabry, growing up during the bleakest times of the Great Depression.  That struggle instilled in him a work ethic and a skill at making as much as possible out of what little was available; this served him well throughout his life.  Unlike this father and older brothers who were carpenters, he chose to enter the electrical trade and hung out his shingle as Mabry Electric Company in 1954.  He closed his business in 1983.

In retirement, Mr. Mabry followed his passion for experimentation in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and history.  He searched for minie balls from the Civil War in Cobb County and Indian artifacts on his farm in Haralson County with equal fervor. He was an avid baseball fan and, most important, the Braves.

He was a devoted man of faith and closely followed the tenants of the Methodist Church as his forebears who have gone before him.  For some years he performed at a number of churches as he portrayed his great, great grandfather, Jim Sullivan, as a Methodist circuit rider.  He took particular interest in portraying these founders of the Church as realistically as possible.

His family was always at the forefront of his devotion.  Martha Louise Popham Mabry was his committed partner until her death in March, 2003.  Together they forged the embodiment of the All American family, leading by example to their children and grandchildren in Christian faith, ethics, love, and humor, all in appropriate portions.   He is survived by four children, Janet Gipson Caswell, Richard Mabry, René Sims, and Jody Harper, eleven grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, two sons-in-law, two grand sons-in-law, five grand daughters-in-law and one brother.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at Bremen First United Methodist Church with Rev. Randy Rooks and Rev. Mary Lou Gilbert officiating.  A reading will be by Reid Popham.  The eulogies will be delivered by his children, Janet Gipson, Ric Mabry, René Sims and Jody Harper.  Interment will follow in Buchanan City Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Kent Gipson, Richard Mabry, Jr., Benjamin Sims, Jonathan Sims, Adam Garland and Justin Harper.

The family will receive friends at Saturday from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 P.M. at Branham Hall of Bremen First United Methodist Church.

You may post an on-line condolence at www.hutchesonsmemorialchapel.com

Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan is in charge of the arrangements.