John Robert Ward
John Robert Ward, 79, of Ridgeway, Virginia, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2026. He was born February 12, 1947, in Martinsville, Virginia to the late Iris Emeline Kellam Ward and Robert Rufus Ward.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Gene Dillard Ward, James L. “Jimmy” Ward, and Billy Richard Ward.
John was of the Christian faith and a faithful member of Horsepasture Christian Church. He was very active in his church where he taught Sunday school and helped with scripture reading, devotions, and communion. His unwavering love for the Lord was evident in the kindness he showed to others. John never met a stranger and was known as a generous man with a huge heart and strong work ethic. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a loyal friend. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he loved spending time with his family.
John believed in helping others and treated everyone with kindness. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing basketball, golfing, horse racing, raising horses, hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. John was a man of his word. One of the sayings he was known for was, “The world don’t owe you nothing, you’ve got to get up and get it on your own” (John Ward).
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Carolyn Ferguson Ward; daughters, Angela “Shea” Grice; Melissa “Hope” Jackson (Bobby); son, Jeffery “Daniel” Ward; grandchildren, Harley Herrera (Christopher), Tiffany Grice, C.J. Grice, Matthew Dalton, Ryan Elizabeth Ward, and Briar Ward; great grandchildren, Domonik Grice, Zahir Blackwell, Na’Zurie “Zurie” Blackwell, Zayla Blackwell, and Jasper Dalton in addition to numerous cousins, extended family and friends.
Though John has left this earthly life, his faith, love, wisdom, and generous spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His legacy of kindness, integrity, and devotion to God and family will never be forgotten. May his memory forever be a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Horsepasture Christian Church with Pastor Kyle Thompson officiating. Interment will follow at Ward Family Farm Cemetery, 339 Evergreen Drive, Spence, Virginia. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in loving memory of John Ward to Horsepasture Christian Church Missions, at 1146 Horsepasture Price Rd, Ridgeway, VA 24148.
Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net.
