Johnie Ward

Johnie Ray Ward of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, May 20, 2012 in Fort Smith, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. Johnie was born July 19, 1933 to William Carol Ward and Eliza Josephine (Hensley) Ward in Dooley, Arkansas. Johnie was 78 years, 10 months and 1 day old. He was a faithful member of the Waldron First Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon for many years. Johnie was also a member of the Gideons, helping to reach many people by sharing God?s word. Johnie served a tenure in the United States Army and then he served a two year service in the United States Navy in the Korean War era. Johnie?s hobby after retirement was his love of the love of the outdoors. He enjoyed working in the yard, flower beds and mowing. He also loved to take the love of his life, his wife Marion and travel. When he wasn?t traveling he loved to listen to his family play and sing music. His family and friends could always count on Johnie for an encouraging word and one of his ever famous SMILES! Johnie leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 53 years, Marion of the home, three sons, Steve of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Mark and wife Karen of Waldron, Arkansas, Phillip and wife Cheryel of Ozark, Missouri, . Pappy will forever be missed by his six grandchildren Willie, Jeff and wife Amy, Dillon, Kelli Jo, Sophie and Zane. Pappy will also be missed by his five great grandchildren, Looper, Kaden, Reece, Mathew and Joseph. Johnie is also survived by two sisters, Juanita Maxwell and Kathy White both of Waldron, Arkansas, and two brothers, Marvin Ward of Waldron, Arkansas and Jo Bill Ward of Mena, Arkansas. Johnie is preceded in death by his parents, William Carol Ward and Eliza Josephine (Hensley) Ward, and three brothers, Floyd, Jerald and George. Johnie?s celebration of life service will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at The Waldron First Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Rickey Hunt and Rev. Warren Gasaway officiating. Interment will follow in the Duncan Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas. Johnie?s pallbearers will be Willie Ward, Jeff Ward, Travis May, Dillon Ward, Looper Ward and Trey Plummer. Honorary pallbearers will be Glen Dale Sparks, Waldron First Baptist Church Deacons, Johnie?s Men?s Sunday School Class, Jerry Parker, Junior Wagner and Robert May. Johnie?s visitation will be 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.