Obituary
Robert E. Ward, 82, a lifelong resident of McMinn County and a devoted husband, father and grandfather, died Friday, Dec. 30 at Woods Memorial Hospital. Bob, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, served in the United States Navy. During his naval service, he traveled around he world but never found any place he loved as much as the hills of East Tennessee. After his service, he couldn't wait to return to the family farm near the border of Polk and McMinn County. Once back home, he worked for Bowater Paper Mill in Calhoun for 37 years until retiring in 1992. As a youth, he played basketball for Claxton School, one of his cherished memories.He was a longtime member of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church in Athens.
He is the son of the late Irene "Carver" Ward and Eulan Ward and is preceded in death by his sister Peggy Nesland; son James P. Ward. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Helen L. Ward, a resident of Delano Tennessee, and two children: his daughter Barbara A. Ward, who lives in Pullman, Washington, his son and daughter-in-law Mike and Cindy Ward; grandsons Tyler and Bradley Ward, all of Etowah and his special aunt and uncle Ruby and Lee Doss of Maryville as well as cousins that were like
brothers and sisters to him. A devoted sports fan and family man, Bob was an avid fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteers and loved nothing more than spending his Saturday afternoons at Neyland Stadium surrounded by a sea of orange while cheering on the Big Orange football team. One of his most enjoyable hobbies was farming and raising cattle and taking his beloved golden retrievers on leisurely walks. He looked forward to celebrating the holidays with family members and especially loved spending time with his grandsons.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, January 1, 2012 in the South Chapel. Funeral service will be held Monday January 2, 2012 at 11 a.m. with Dennie Humphreys officiating. Interment will follow the service at Jones Chapel Cemetery with grandsons serving as pallbearers.
He is the son of the late Irene "Carver" Ward and Eulan Ward and is preceded in death by his sister Peggy Nesland; son James P. Ward. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Helen L. Ward, a resident of Delano Tennessee, and two children: his daughter Barbara A. Ward, who lives in Pullman, Washington, his son and daughter-in-law Mike and Cindy Ward; grandsons Tyler and Bradley Ward, all of Etowah and his special aunt and uncle Ruby and Lee Doss of Maryville as well as cousins that were like
brothers and sisters to him. A devoted sports fan and family man, Bob was an avid fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteers and loved nothing more than spending his Saturday afternoons at Neyland Stadium surrounded by a sea of orange while cheering on the Big Orange football team. One of his most enjoyable hobbies was farming and raising cattle and taking his beloved golden retrievers on leisurely walks. He looked forward to celebrating the holidays with family members and especially loved spending time with his grandsons.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, January 1, 2012 in the South Chapel. Funeral service will be held Monday January 2, 2012 at 11 a.m. with Dennie Humphreys officiating. Interment will follow the service at Jones Chapel Cemetery with grandsons serving as pallbearers.
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