George Leonard Ware

George Leonard Ware of Alcoa passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2015 at the age of 101. His earthly life was spent planning for his heavenly one as he served the Lord and his fellow man. Leonard was born April 16, 1913, in Liberty, Tenn., to Jesse and Martha Ann Ware. He married June Elizabeth (Betty) Beightol in December of 1939. Leonard joined the Civilian conservation Corps. in 1933, where he played baseball. He had a knuckle ball that was impossible to hit! Along with his love of baseball, he was one of the first season ticket holders of the University of Tennessee football program. Leonard went to work at the Aluminum Company of America in 1936 and retired from ALCOA in 1978 after 42 years of service. He also worked as an electrician and provided assistance to many families throughout the community during his lifetime. Leonard was a member of First Baptist Church Alcoa and enjoyed many years of fellowship with the Believers. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; sisters; Beulah Melton, Ruth Dillingham, and Mary Ware; brothers, Reuel , Garrett, Herschel and Franklin. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Betty Beightol Ware; and son, David Ware. He is survived by sister, Martha Ann Sullins; his children, Marsha (Terry) Brown, Helen (Pat) Flynn, Steve Ware, Joe Ware, Cathy Ware and Melissa Ware Schmidt. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Amy (Dan) Miles, Lori Harvard, Mandy (Ernie) Collins, Steve Flynn, Scott (Letitia) Flynn, Matthew and Andrew Schmidt. His great-grandchildren include Connor and Nick Miles, Holland Harvard, Benjamin Collins, Lexi Monday, John and Sam Flynn. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at Alcoa First Baptist Church, with the funeral service at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alcoa First Baptist Church or Second Harvest Food Bank.