Larry Ward. CONTRIBUTED

Why I Love This Town

MADISON – Larry Ward juggles his work as an electrical engineer on the International Space Station for The Boeing Company with serving as Inside-Out Ministries president.

Born in Hartselle, his family then lived in Pontiac, Mich. a few years. He graduated from Morgan County High School (now Hartselle High) with future wife, Deborah.

Larry earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in religion from Athens State University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, respectively.

In 1982, Larry accepted a job at Teledyne Brown Engineering in Huntsville and enrolled part time at UAH while commuting from Hartselle. “In 1988, we began looking for a home in the Madison area because it was a small town like Hartselle and within (about) seven miles of work and school,” he said.

After the school year ended in 1988, the Wards moved to Madison.

“Madison maintains the neighborhood feel, even in larger subdivisions,” Larry said. “The school system is top ranked.”

Their daughter, Alyson Durrett, teaches fourth-graders at Columbia Elementary School; Alyson, husband Clay Durrett and children Bryson, Alexander and C.J. live in Huntsville. Daughter Amy Thaxton is assistant principal of instruction at Bob Jones High School; Amy, husband Wade and children Tatum and Ward live in Madison.

Deborah graduated from Athens State and worked for the City of Madison for 13 years.

“Deborah and I founded Inside-Out Ministries in 2008 to provide for basic needs of food, clothing and shelter for Madison families while providing hope through the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Larry said.

“I enjoy volunteering at Inside-Out and spending time with my family. The grandchildren are growing up fast. I enjoy watching them as they participate in school and recreational activities,” Larry said. Larry is president of Christians Uplifting Boeing Employees recreation club.

Among Madison events, he most enjoys the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, sponsored by Inside-Out and numerous churches at Bob Jones the night before Thanksgiving. “Madison Street Festival is an opportunity to bring locals together; the parade is a special treat,” Larry said.

He also likes Christmas Card Lane, Madison Christmas Parade and “creations celebrating Christmas.”