Mr. Word graduated from Carrollton High School in 1939 and attended West Georgia College, where he graduated with a degree in Journalism in 1941. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he received his wings as a fighter pilot. He then served at the West Point Military Academy in New York as a flight instructor, where he trained flight cadets. While at West Point, he married his college sweetheart, Mary Florence Arthur.
After he was honorably discharged from military service, he returned to civilian life in Carrollton and entered Emory University School of Law. He received his law degree from Emory in 1950. He was recalled to the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, where he served as a JAG officer and pilot at Turner Field in Albany, Ga.
When he returned to Carrollton, he was the active legal adviser to Roy Richards during the formative years of Southwire. He served for many years as their legal counsel, as well as pilot. During this time, he also opened his local law practice and continued serving clients until his death. He was honored by the State Bar of Georgia, in May of this year, for his lifetime of service to the practice of law.
Mr. Word was active in his community; he was a member of the Carrollton Lion’s Club for more than 50 years, serving in the capacity of president on several occasions. His two favorite hobbies were walking and traveling. He was regularly seen walking his Scottish Terrier, Spud, throughout the city. He and his son, David, walked the English countryside in the 1980s. For many years, he and his wife, Mary Florence, enjoyed frequent trips to Europe, as well as through the U.S. He was also an active member of St. Andrews Methodist Church.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Florence Arthur Word; his son, David Word; his parents; his sister, Ruth Yetes; his brother, G.W. Word; and recently, his Scottish Terrier, Spud.
He is survived by his brother, James Bryson Word of Corpus Christi, Texas; his son, Gerald Word (Deborah) of Carrollton; and his daughter, Susan Word Kypreos (Spiro) of Pensacola, Fla. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Patrick Word, Stephen Word, Abigail Word and Nicholas Kypreos.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Carrollton City Cemetery with the Rev. Karen Kagiyama officiating.
The family will receive friends at Almon Funeral Home on Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Andrews Methodist Church, 1106 Maple St., Carrollton, GA 30117.
Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com.
Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton in charge of arrangements.
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