Obituaries
Phillip Laughton Ward
Phil “Happy Pappy” Ward passed away peacefully on the morning of October 27, 2026, at his favorite place on Earth, his beloved home Viewpoint on Lake Mitchell in Rockford, Ala. His wife, Betsy, and daughters, Angela and Aimee, were by his side, as well as his sister-in-law, Cindy, and brother-in-law, Emil.
Phil was a cherished and admired father, husband, brother, uncle, great-uncle, friend, and mentor to uncountable many. Phil was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to Myris Ward and Mavis Barrett Ward. Phil spent parts of his childhood in Germany, where Myris was stationed in the Army, but he grew up primarily in Hardin County, Kentucky, where he graduated from North Hardin High School. It was there that Phil met the love of his life, Betsy Ogden, with whom he would go to prom and get frisky with in his Rambler. Phil always worked hard to have the nicer things he aspired to: boats, motorcyles, cars, and on and on. He was born determined and goal driven and never stopped working his entire life. Phil would go on to graduate from the University of Kentucky and then to build a successful career in the financial services industry working with The Principal Financial Group for 35 years.
He was an inspiration to all those he met. He was unflinchingly positive and supportive, and he always saw the best in everyone and encouraged them to reach their greatest potential. Phil and Betsy reconnected in their late 20s and married within months. They were the loves of one another’s lives and would be married for 51 years. They built a beautiful family with daughters, Angie and Aimee, and raised them in Mobile, Alabama, where they had a wonderful, lively home and friend circle. They went on to retire at Viewpoint on Lake Mitchell. They always came to the “Backwater” at Barrett’s Fish Camp and loved the lake. They bought their own cabin there in 1992 and went on to build their dream home in 2004. Phil had a lifelong passion for all things on the water: fishing, skiing, boating, and tending to his fish, birds, and muscadines. He had an unparallelled appreciation and knowledge of nature. He could tell you what any bird, fish, animal, or plant was; or if he didn’t know, he had a book and would look it up for you. He also had an effusive passion for Alabama Football, as evidenced by his wardrobe. He was also an excellent skier and athlete, and he was fiercely competitive at everything he did.
Happy Pappy was an inspiration to all those he met. He always believed the best in people and encouraged and supported their goals and dreams. He was Mr. Positive and had a sharp mind, adventurous and joyful spirit, and heart of gold.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Myris Ward and Mavis Barrett Ward; his sister, Judith Ward; and his nephew, Paul Ward. He is survived by his loving wife, Betsy Ward; his daughters, Angela and Aimee Ward; his brother, David Ward, and his spouse, Elaine Ward; his nephews, Todd Ward, Mike Gaylord, Mark Gaylord and their spouses; his great-nephew, Zack Gaylord, and great-niece, Chloe Gaylord; and numerous other great-nephews and nieces, cousins, beloved in-laws and their loving children and spouses, and dear friends who will all cherish his memory forever.
Phil will be forever remembered by all as Happy Pappy, the most loving and inspiring husband, father, and friend in the world.
A celebration of life for Phil will be held at Verbena Methodist Church at 8060 County Road 59, Verbena, Ala., at 10:45 a.m. on November 16 with Reverend Jody Hill officiating and special words and music by Phil’s sister-in-law, SuZ Ogden. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil’s honor to the American Diabetes Association at https://www.diabetes.org.
