Gary Scott Ard

Gary Scott Ard, 70, of Forsyth, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 8, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on February 2, 1955, Scott was a man of dedication, service, and love, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by all who knew him.

Scott began his distinguished career in firefighting over five decades ago, starting with the Monroe County Fire Department. Over the years, he proudly served with multiple fire departments, including the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, Charleston Fire Department, Statesboro Fire Department, Register Volunteer Fire Department, Bryan County Fire Department, Waycross Fire Department, South Carolina Fire Academy, and the Georgia Fire Academy. His passion was to train firefighters, instilling in them the skills and mindset that would ensure they made it home safely to their families each night. His commitment to the safety and well-being of his fellow firefighters was unwavering, and his motto – “Train to make it home every night” – became a guiding principle for countless colleagues.

Scott was also a devoted family man, married to the love of his life, Cheryl Ard, for 38 wonderful years. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and memories. Scott’s greatest pride was his family, and he cherished every moment spent with his wife, children, and grandson.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar “Pete” and Mildred Ard. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl Ard; stepson, Chris Whitehead of Forsyth, Georgia; daughters, Jennifer and Hannah Ard of Orlando, Florida and Angie Ard of Forsyth, Georgia; son, Andy Ard of Indiana; and his cherished grandson, Jasper Luke Whitehead.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Rock Springs Church, 219 Rock Springs Road, Milner, Georgia 30257. Funeral Services with full fire service honors, will be held at 10:00am Friday, September 12, 2025, at Rock Springs Church, with Pastor Benny Tate officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Monroe County Memorial Chapel, or donations can be made to the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation in Scott’s memory, as a tribute to his lifelong commitment to firefighting and training others. www.GFBF.org

Those who knew him say it wasn’t just his skill that stood out, it was his warmth, his humor, and his generosity. He has a way of making everyone around him better.

Please visit www.monroecountymemorialchapel.com to express your condolences.

Monroe County Memorial Chapel, 86 West Main Street, Forsyth, Georgia, has charge of the arrangements.