Local historian, NASA engineer Wyley Ward passes away

Local historian and NASA engineer Wyley Ward passed away Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the age of 90.

Known for his vast knowledge of Covington County history, Ward worked as an engineer with NASA for many years, including during America’s space race with the Soviet Union in the 1960s.

Ward was born Jan. 30, 1934 to William Elias and Hattie May (Knowles) Ward. He and his surviving wife, Elaine, were the parents of four children.

As a younger man, Ward worked briefly as a textile worker in Andalusia before serving in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956. After military service, he attended Auburn University where we earned a bachelor’s degree in 1959. He first worked as an analytical engineer for the U.S. Space Program and in 1965 became an engineering supervisor, making contributions to the Apollo, Skylab, Spacelab, and Spacestation programs.

He received a patent and was presented an outstanding achievement award for his contributions to NASA.

After retiring, Ward returned to Covington County where researching and sharing his knowledge of local history became a passion.

Sue Wilson of the Covington County Historical Society described Ward as an ‘encyclopedia of knowledge’ on the early history and settlers of the area.

“Wiley researched and wrote a number of books, most of them about the early beginnings of Covington County. He did programs across the county where he shared information on the early settlers. His knowledge was extensive,” Wilson said.

Ward’s published books included: “Original Land Sales and Grants in Covington County, Alabama,” “Early History of Covington County, Alabama, 1821-1871,” “THE Folks from Pea Ridge in Covington and Conecuh Counties Alabama,” and “Unraveling the Mysteries of the Montezuma Village in Covington County, Alabama.” He also shared numerous historical guest columns to the Star-News over the years.

On a more personal level, Ward shared his experiences with NASA in the book, “My Role in the Cold War and the Space Race.”

Ward also served as a chairman for the Madison County Republican Party and was a vice-chairman for the Alabama Republican Party, serving as an elector for the State of Alabama in 1980.

Ward is survived by his wife, Elaine; two sons, Mike Ward and Warren Ward; a daughter, Patricia Amerson; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a brother, Richard Ward.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra Karen Ward.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m., at Mobley Creek Baptist Church. Internment will follow at the Mobley Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, immediately after the service. A visitation will be held at Foreman Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.