Jack Wayne Ward, 69, 325 Raccoon Ridge Lane, Johnson City, unexpectedly passed away at his home on Tuesday, August 14, 2012.
He was the son of the late Charles and Frances Bowling Ward and was born in Carter County. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Martin.
Jack went to school at Valley Forge Elementary School and graduated from Hampton High School. He was self-employed and owned Ward Development for the past 47 years. He was a member of Oak Street Baptist Church.
Although Jack had accomplished enormous heights in his career as a builder/developer, he was best known for his generous nature. He put his talents to work building a church parsonage for River of Life and renovating Valley View Baptist Church and Greater Anointing Assembly of God. He last worked very hard to give the youth of Oak Street Baptist Church a beautiful, special place to worship God. He was an avid supporter of It’s All About the Children, a foundation in Kampala, Uganda dedicated to providing both the special and material needs of the children of Uganda. He worked with Operation Christmas Child every year and each year he was able to increase his support for the organization because God blessed him above and beyond all he could have ever dreamed! His development of Copper Hill Patio Homes, Goose Creek Resort in Pigeon Forge and Raccoon Ridge Cottages in Johnson City were a great source of pride for him. He retired his business, Ward Development, in 2010 so he could give more time to his family and his furniture design and building business. Jack’s talents were countless, his heart as big as the moon, and his love of Jesus Christ and of his family made his world complete.
Mr. Ward is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Mariea Ornduff Ward, of the home; two daughters, Angie Bowling and her husband, Terry, and Tracy Vines and her husband, David, all of Elizabethton; six grandchildren, Corey Vines, Coty Bowling, Luke Bowling, Hannah Vines, Winnie Kate Bowling and Cooper Vines, all of Elizabethton; many foster grandchildren; and two brothers, Bobby Ward, Elizabethton, and Charles “Bud†Ward Jr., Valley Forge.
The funeral service for Mr. Ward will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 16, in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Pastor Curtis Hurt officiating. Music will be under the direction of Mike Presnell. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, prior to the service, and at the home at other times. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, August 17, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Music will be under the direction of Ben Pollard, bagpiper. Active pallbearers will be Coty Bowling, Luke Bowling, Terry Bowling, Corey Vines, David Vines, Buddy Ward, Jim Workman and Mike Presnell. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Ward, Bud Ward and Tony Thompson. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home at 12:15 p.m. Friday to go in procession to the cemetery. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the Courtney and Chris Skiera-Vaughn Foundation, c/o Oak Street Baptist Church, 804 Oak Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book or by fax to (423) 542-9499.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Ward family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.
