On Monday, July 13, 2026, as the final whistle was blown, Mr. William "Wolf" Ware age 65 of Lavonia, GA passed away at Grady Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. 

Born on October 15, 1960, in Toccoa, Georgia, William was the son of the late Theodore Ware and Annie Virginia Blackwell Ware. He built a successful career as an aerospace engineer, earning an associate degree and applying his knowledge with dedication and professionalism throughout his working years.

 A member of Broad River Baptist Church, William was known for his love of basketball and his commitment to the game. From 1990 until 2021, he served as a basketball coach and referee, investing countless hours mentoring young athletes and ensuring the game was played with integrity and fairness. His presence, love for competition, and willingness to serve left a lasting impression on all who knew him. 

William was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Annie Ware; his sister, Mary Frances Ware; and his brothers, James Ware and Charles Ware. 

He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Sheryl Jones Ware of Lavonia, Georgia; his children, Mickey Mack of Los, Angeles, California, Jovakas Ware of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Fantasia Ware of Franklin Springs, Georgia; his sisters, Brenda Arbuckle of Atlanta, Georgia, and Diane Ware of Toccoa, Georgia. Sisters- in-law Mary Duncan of Lavonia, Georgia, Ruby Jean Crump of Lavonia, Georgia, Lois James of Canon, Georgia, and Frances Witcher (Stefan) of Anderson, South Carolina; brothers-in-law Archie Jones (Margaret) of Lavonia, Georgia, Willie Jones of Lavonia, Georgia, Herman Jones of Anderson, South Carolina, Walter Jones of Commerce, Georgia, along with many other extended family members, friends, and all those whose lives were touched through his work, his faith, and his love of basketball. In addition to those listed above William will be deeply missed by Keelan Stowers and Kyla Turner.

 William will be remembered for his steady character, kind heart, and servant's spirit. Whether at work, at church, or standing courtside with a whistle in hand, he approached life with fairness, humility, and a genuine love for others. Perhaps today, the whistle has blown one more time—only now, William gets to reff the greatest game of all in Heaven. May his legacy of service, sportsmanship, and faith will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Coile and Hall Funeral Directors. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM from the Chapel of Coile and Hall Funeral Directors. William will lie in state one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday. 

The family is at the home, 444 Misty Mills Road, Lavonia, Ga.

Services have been entrusted to Coile and Hall Funeral Directors and Crematory of 333. E. Johnson Street Hartwell, GA 30643.