Ova Gene Ware, 89, a native of McMinnville and longtime resident of Pontiac, Mich., was born June 27, 1932, and passed away Dec. 11 following an extended illness.

A retired die setter with Pontiac Motor Division and a United States Air Force veteran, he was the son of the late Allen Bryan and Cleo Curtis Ware. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Frankie Griffith Ware and son Gary Ware, sisters Zelda Faye Wallace, Edith Ware, Edna Wanamaker, and his twin sister Nova June Myers, and brothers, William Ware, Leon Ware, Joe Ware, Paul Ware, and James Ware.

In McMinnville, Gene was an excellent football and basketball player at Central High School, class of 1952. After his time in the Air Force and later relocating to Michigan he went on to raise his family and eventually retired from GM after 32 years of service. He enjoyed his retirement by spending time doing what he loved, working in the yard, tending to his vegetable and flower gardens, being outdoors, reading Western novels, and was an avid sports fan. Together, Gene and Frankie loved traveling, playing Bingo and visiting casinos. For many years he also enjoyed annual trips to Nebraska for pheasant hunting.

Mr. Ware is survived by his son David Ware

and daughter-in-law Delores “De” Ware of Auburn Hills, Mich., two grandchildren, Amanda Ware of Pontiac, Mich., and Aaron Ware of Auburn Hills, sisters Betty Ware of McMinnville, and Mary Jane (Sylvester) Skierkowski of Murfreesboro, and sisters-in-law, Maxine Ware of Nashville, Arlene Ware, Jean Ware and Fran Ware, all of McMinnville.

Per his wishes, there will be no services, he will be cremated and his remains will be interred with his wife and son. Share memories at temrowskifamilyfuneralhome.com.

Southern Standard

(McMinnville, Tenn.) Dec. 26, 2021