Mr. Gerald Edward Ware Sr., age 94, a resident of 2977 U.S. Highway 17 North, Washington, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. today at Oakdale Cemetery, officiated by Dr. James O. Hagwood and Dr. Keith Hudson.

Mr. Ware was born Dec. 5, 1917, son of the late Ezekiel Parks Ware and Mary Elizabeth Barron Ware. He served his country during World War II on the USS Alabama. Mr. Ware was the fire chief for Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., until his retirement in 1979. On Jan. 29, 1943, he married Elizabeth Gardner Ware who preceded him in death on July 13, 2003.

Mr. Ware is survived by his son: Gerald “Ed” Edward Ware Jr. and wife Jane of Tamarac, Fla.; his daughter, Camilla W. Dawson and husband Bill of Washington; his grandchildren, Gerald Edward  “Jerry” Ware III and wife Sharon of Rainbow City, Ala.; Shirl Leigh Long and husband Steve of North Lauderdale, Fla., and Nicole Ware Metcalf and husband Michael of Margate, Fla.; and 5 great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by his brother: “Chief” W.T. Ware; and his sister, Hazel Ware.

The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Riverview Baptist Church, 6228 Clark’s Neck Road, Washington, NC  27889

Online condolences may be offered the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Ware Family.