I just learned of Ozell's passing. I grew up in Hopewell and Ozell and I joined the Navy at about the same time. I didn't see him again we were both going to college and working at the Post Office in Richmond at night.
I remember Ozell the same way as everyone else does. He was a kind and gentle man and a comfort to be around.

We knew Ozell because he was an usher at the 5:15 Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. We always enjoyed talking with him about his travels in the Navy. And we enjoyed his gentle sense of humor. His bearing always gave a certain extra importance and respect to the role of usher, too. We were sorry to learn of his illness and will miss him.

To Ozell's family: Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. I met Ozell at Rare Ol' Times and we always enjoyed sharing tales of the Navy - my oldest son was an officer on a sub when I first met Ozell, and he was always so kind and thoughtful to ask about my son. Ozell's stories were so colorful. He played the harmonica beautifully and soulfully and always had a kind and gentle word for everyone. He will be missed and I know he is walking (and playing music!) in Heavenly places now. I pray God's comfort and peace on his family and friends and will always remember Ozell as a true gentleman.

Ozell graced the stage at the Poe's Pub Open Mic, many many times. His harmonica playing was always a bright spot in the evening. He was greatly appreciated as a musician, and more importantly, as a friend. He will be missed by all.

I am so sorry to hear of Ozell's passing. I only just met him last year as he was a pallbearer for my husband's funeral last year. He knew my husband many years ago in the Navy.He kept in touch with me for a while afterwards. He told me how he had lunch with his dad every Sunday.i know you all will miss him. May God comfort and Bless his family.

I am sorry to hear of your loss. Ozell was a pallbearer at my Dad's funeral last year. They were in the Navy together. He had seen my Dad's name in the paper and remembered him because of his unusal name. He was named after President FDR. God Bless your whole family. I know you all will miss him especially his dad.

My condolences go out to Ozell's family. I used to work at Rare Olde Times and waited on Ozell for many Open Mic Nights. He was a kind man and always had a cheerful disposition. I know he will be missed greatly.

I'm so sorry to hear about the lost of you loved one, Mr. Ard Jr. He seems to have had a fullfilling and rewarding life. May your family be comforted by God's words found at John 5:21,28,29- "Just as the Father raises the dead up and makes them alive, so the Son also makes those alive whom he wants to. Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out." May these words comfort you as your assurance that you will oneday see your loved one again.

Sincerely,
Katicha

It's hard to believe that he's gone. It was an honor to have Ozell as a friend. We shared the common bond of the U.S.Navy and I'll miss all the Navy magazines he would bring.

It will be a long time before we won't still look for him to walk through the door on Monday evening.

In a Navy tradition.
Ozell Ard, USN, departing.

Barry

Ozell was a kind, gentle man who gave of himself in so many different ways. I knew Ozell as a member of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. He was an usher at the Saturday 5:15 pm Mass. Ozell had a kind word for everyone who entered the doors. We worked briefly in the Cathedral Office and I have fond memories of his laughter. I also heard Ozell play his harmonica beautifully. One of his biggest joys was playing in the Cathedral and for those in nursing homes. I could go on and on but I know Ozell is playing his harmonica in heaven and enjoying the heavenly banquet as he serenades the angels. I don't want the angels to have to wait as Ozell "warms up" his harmonica.

It was an honor to accompany my friend Ozell in musical extravaganzae at our Open Mic sessions. He was constantly someone who could challenge AND stump me on extremely legitimate material. He put me to shame on many occasions. He is a wonderful soul and I'm missing him already.

I will miss Ozell with all my heart! One of my most special memories is of him playing a walz on his harp at my wedding reception. What a special and big hearted man!!

Becka and I were very saddened to hear of Ozell's passing. Our condolences to his family and loved ones. Over the years, he's been a great friend, fellow musician and supplier of some of the best potato salad we've ever eaten. I don't think I'll be able to hear the song "Exodus" and not think of him. He truly enjoyed making others happy with his music...and his potato salad. May he rest in peace in a place where the are no sour notes and loads of applause. We'll miss him a lot. "Streak"

We will all miss Ozell and his gentle way, his sweet harmonica and his serious, personal, caring attention to all who knew him. Open mike at R.O.T will not be the same. I can hardly believe the only gig I have played in a year is this Saturday at the same time as his service.

The world has lost a decent, kind man in Ozell. I knew him through Open Mic sessions in Richmond where he charmed us with his unique skill on the harmonica. He was a friend and I will certainly miss him deeply.