Another One We Miss: In Memoriam: Geoff Seeley, 1968 - 2022
In Memoriam: Eddie J. Ward
It's the end of an era for E.J. Ward, Inc.'s founder who pioneered fuel management for fleets.

Ward passed on January 27.
Photo: E.J. Ward, Inc./Canva
E.J. Ward, Inc., a San Antonio, Texas-based fleet fuel management technology developer, announced that its founder, Eddie J. Ward passed away on January 27, 2023.
One of the original influencers and fuel management industry pioneers, Eddie founded the company in 1974 to solve customers’ fuel tracking and control problems. After inventing the company’s first fuel management system, he continually worked on product improvements as the business expanded into a telematics and asset optimization platform until his retirement in 2013, according to the company's statement.
Known for his personal and business integrity, Ward taught a generation of employees that “Integrity means doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do."
Automotive Fleet sends our condolences to Ward's family and colleagues during this time.
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