Wilbert Harrison Ware, Sr., 97, of Richmond, Virginia, died peacefully on February 27, 2025.

A devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather, Wilbert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Aurelia J. (Braxton) Ware; his parents, Claudia A. (Green) and Eugene C. Ware; and by his siblings, Clinton A. Ware, Dudley C. Ware, and Rosa L. (Ware) Jones.

He leaves behind his daughter, Vassie C. Ware (William “Bill” J. Taylor), of Flemington, New Jersey, son, Wilbert “Bert” H. Ware, Jr. (Monique Y. Patterson), of Acton, Massachusetts, and four cherished grandchildren, Emma N. Patterson Ware, James C. Patterson Ware, Mira J. Ware Taylor, and Lianna A. Patterson Ware. He will also be remembered fondly by his nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Wilbert dedicated his life to service, both to his country and his community. At just 17 years old, inspired by a recruiting poster and his older brother’s stories of service in the US Army, he left Margo, a small rural community in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, and in August 1944, enlisted in the US Navy, where he served with distinction. During his twenty years of active duty, Wilbert rose in rank and received the Good Conduct Medal on six separate occasions in recognition of superior conduct, adherence to US Navy regulations, consistent performance, and dedication to the US Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. In addition to land-based assignments in Dahlgren, Virginia, Pensacola, Florida, Brunswick, Georgia, and Washington, DC, he served and sailed aboard the USS Idaho (BB-42), participated in the naval bombardment supporting the landings at Iwo Jima and Okinawa during WWII, survived a kamikaze attack on his ship, witnessed the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay, and later served on the USS Pine Island (AV-12), the USS Lindewald (LSD-6), the USS Midway (CV-41) and the USS Rankin (AKA-103) in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer at the end of 1964. Wilbert remained in the US Navy Fleet Reserve until he retired from military service in 1974. Following his military career, he continued his dedication to service as a longtime employee of the US Postal Service.

Faith played a central role in Wilbert’s life at Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Providence Park Baptist Church, where he served diligently on the deacon boards and taught Sunday School. A man of remarkable self-discipline, resilience, and focus, Wilbert remained humble and kind. He carried a profound sense of devotion to his faith, his church, his community, and his country.

Beyond his service and faith, Wilbert will be remembered for his wisdom, warmth, the humor he shared with Aurelia, and his sisters-in-law, and unwavering love for his family. He was a source of strength and guidance to all who knew him, and his legacy of integrity and compassion will live on through those he leaves behind.

A celebration of Wilbert’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 14, 2025, at Providence Park Baptist Church, 468 East Ladies Mile Road, Richmond, Virginia. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor and memory to the Wounded Warrior Project. Contributions can be made online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or mailed to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Please indicate that your donation is in honor and memory of “Senior Chief Petty Officer Wilbert H. Ware, Sr., US Navy (Ret.)”.

Wilbert’s kindness, dedication, and love will be deeply missed but never forgotten.