Michael W. "Mickey" Ware

Mr. Michael W. "Mickey" Ware, age 74 of Bolivar, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday evening, September 14, 2016 at his home.

Mr. Ware was born Tuesday, May 19, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee. On November 6, 2002, he was united in marriage to Sharon Ware, who survives.

He served in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1962 and was a member of the first crew on board the USS Kitty Hawk. He worked as a carpentry supervisor for Federal Correctional Institution in Memphis for 20 years. He was a member of the Carpenters Union #345 in Memphis as well as the Shelby Bow Hunters Association.

Mickey was unique and one-of-a-kind; he never met a stranger and was always ready to help others. He enjoyed running heavy equipment, woodworking, carving, old cars, listening to Southern Gospel music, playing practical jokes on friends, traveling to the Smoky Mountains, hunting and fishing. His sobriety was very important to him, as had been sober for 27 years and attended Bolivar AA meetings regularly. He was an animal lover and always had a pet. He was Baptist in faith.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Ronald "Bear" Ware and wife Tammy of Selmer, and Charles "Corky" Ware of Memphis; stepdaughter, LeAnn Wilson and husband Adam of Bethel Springs; stepson, John Chandler and wife Lisa of Selmer; sister, Roberta Springer and husband Bruce of Henderson; brothers, Jimmy Fitts of Mississippi, and Robert Cowgill and wife Judy of Mumford; six grandchildren, Hunter Ware, Brittin Ware, Jenna Saltz, Will Chandler, Hunter Wilson, and Haylee Wilson; a host of great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Stephanie Galloway.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Clara Davis Ware; his daughter, Cindy Saltz; son, Michael Lynn Ware; and brothers, DeDe Fitts and George Cowgill.

Charitable contributions made in Mr. Ware's memory may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate).