Obituary of Wayne McWard

Dr. Wayne McWard, 87, a 30-year resident of Buford, GA, passed away Tuesday, February 1.

Gerald Wayne McWard was born in Urbana, IL to William Walter & Maude Marie McWard. He graduated from Champaign High School and attended the University of Illinois where he received a B.S. in agriculture, M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal and Nutritional Science. He married Shirley Ann Strode. They were happily married for 66 years. Wayne was an Assistant Professor at the University of Maine, from 1960 – 1966, Ralston Purina in St. Louis, MO, from 1966 – 1972 where he was in charge of research for the S.E. and Canada, Director of Nutrition at Fieldale Farms in Gainesville, GA from 1972 – 1978, Director of Nutrition and Research at Hudson Foods in Rogers, AR from 1978 – 1983, Director of Nutrition and Research at Wayne Farms, a Division of Continental Grain Company in Guntersville, AL from 1983 – 1990. Their offices were moved to Gainesville, GA where he retired in 1997. He continued to serve the poultry industry for another six years with his own company, Global Poultry Consulting. He was a member of the Poultry Science Association and the World Poultry Association. He is a published author of numerous research articles for the Poultry Science Journal.

Wayne and Shirley enjoyed traveling the world and especially loved cruising. Traveling throughout Europe was a favorite destination. His trip of a lifetime was his 2012 hunting safari to Africa where he was accompanied by his daughter, Jane, who photographed all their adventures as well as Dad’s trophies. In addition to hunting, his hobbies were fishing and gardening.

Besides his wife Shirley, he is survived by his daughter, Jeri Ann Peevy (Mitch) of Buford, GA, son, James Michael McWard (Donna) of Athens, AL, and daughter, Jane Marie Hunter (Rodney) of Buford, GA. Seven grandchildren, Matthew Wayne Peevy (Erica) of Buford, GA, Brittney Peevy Black (J.D.) of Dunwoody, GA, William Andrew Hunter of Big Sur, CA, Benjamin Ryan Hunter (Andrea) of Freeport, FL, Robert Daniel Hunter of Buford, GA, Triston Michael McWard of Athens, AL, Brandon Casey McWard of Austin, TX. Five great grandchildren, Adaline, Miller, Avery, Andrew, and Eloise. Sister, Patricia Rear of Champaign, IL and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald Maurice McWard of Chicago, IL.

A private family service will be held at Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel. Pastor Jim Buckman will officiate. Interment will follow at Hamilton Mill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made to Buford First United Methodist Church Building Fund, in memory of Wayne. P.O. Box 329, Buford, GA 30515.

We will be planning a Celebration of Life at a later date when we are all able to gather again.

Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel 770-945-6924 Share memories of Wayne at hamiltonmillchapel.com