Richard Ware

Richard Long Ware, 77, passed away in the early morning of June 16, 2025, as was looking over his favorite bay in Orange Beach with his wife and sister by his side. Richard was a native of Selma, Alabama and currently a resident of Daphne, AL. Richard was born in Selma, Alabama and lived most of his life there, where he was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and a pillar of the community . He attended Selma City Schools and graduated from Parrish High School in 1967, where he was named the Big Bopper and Most School Spirited. Throughout high school, Richard played football for Parrish High and was later recruited by the University of Tennessee, but that football experience was ended by an injury. Through the younger years, Richard was a participant in The Boy Scouts of America and served as a counselor at Camp Tuckabatchee. Richard was employed with International Paper in Selma for 31 years where he held several positions. Around 1993, Richard and his first wife Barbara Radford Ware, started Cahaba Hospice when they saw a need for compassionate care in Selma and surrounding areas. Richard continued to run Cahaba Hospice for 10 years after his wife’s passing. He built Cahaba Hospice into a wonderful company, leaving a legacy of serving patients and families in their time of need. Anyone who knew Richard knew his great loves were duck hunting, snapper fishing, and dogs. Richard started duck hunting at nine years old, and continued this passion throughout his life. He loved to travel as far north as Canada and follow the duck migration back to Louisiana and Mississippi. He also spent many days duck hunting on the Alabama River. Richard even had several hunts with Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty in the early days. Duck hunting was in his blood and he enjoyed telling stories and teaching the younger generations about hunting . He would say “you haven’t lived until you’ve watched the sunrise over an icy pond with mallards circling overhead.” Along with hunting, Richard became a renowned and respected hunting dog trainer, using only compassionate training techniques. Over the years he owned and trained hundreds of labradors that went on to win awards. You rarely saw Richard that he didn’t have a beloved dog on the back seat. Richard made friends all over the country who shared his love for the sport. When not hunting, Richard’s heart belonged to the Gulf of Mexico. He spent days snapper fishing, shrimping, and boating on the gulf and bay. He could hook a snapper like no other, only being out-fished by his wife Callie, who was always by his side on the water. Richard enjoyed sharing his passion for the gulf. He was shrimping June 1 and spent several days recently fishing with young friends Kenneth and Colt Bailey and friend Tim Singleton. Some of his most cherished memories were of spending time in Baldwin County with his parents and friends. There weren’t many types of fish he hadn’t caught or experiences he hadn’t had that involved the gulf. Richard was a talented seafood chef and delighted in preparing and serving bountiful seafood feasts for family and friends. In 2017, Richard married Callie Hobbs Ware and they lived in Daphne, AL. They spent most of their time together traveling, fishing, boating, and just being together. The two were truly best friends and enjoyed spending every minute together. Callie and Richard were true soulmates and supported each other through everything. It was evident how much they loved and enjoyed each other. Richard would tell anyone “that’s my girl and I love her more than my next breath.” They rescued and loved many dogs together including current pets Chloe, Buck, and Charlee. Richard leaves a legacy of strong friendships, great stories, and infectious laughter. He will be remembered and in our hearts forever. Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Long Ware and Hazel Lolley Ware, and his first wife, Barbara Radford Ware. He is survived by his beloved wife Callie Hobbs Ware; his sister Patti (Nat) Ware Ellis; in-laws Julia Hobbs and Ross Hobbs; niece Lauren (Randy) Reese Horton; nephew Richard William Reese; great nieces Reese and Mary Ware Horton. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Daphne on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 2:00 pm. A reception and visitation will be held before the service from 12:00 to 2:00 pm in Malone Hall at the church. There will be a private inurnment later. The family request that donations be made to Krewe de Rescue animal rescue (krewederescue.org) or the animal rescue of your choice in lieu of flowers.

Richard Ware

June 16, 2025

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Richard Ware

June 16, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

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