Jackie Ray "Jack" Ward

Jackie Ray, "Jack," Ward, age 79, passed from this life on Saturday, June 21, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Walnut Ridge, after suffering an apparent heart attack at his home. He was born on March 10, 1946, in Bono, AR, to William "Pete" Ward and Marie (Harbison) Ward. Jack did farming work as a young man, but eventually began working at Hytrol in Jonesboro. He retired after 40 years, many of them spent as the plant manager and manager of the stockyard. He was also, along with his wife Tina, the owner of Muleskinner Farm located just outside of Walnut Ridge. He will be fondly remembered for his love of horses, mules, and dogs. He loved going with friends on trail rides with his horses or mules all over Arkansas and Missouri, and enjoyed telling friends and family stories about his many trail ride adventures. He was also an avid hunter, pursuing deer on his land as well as hunting rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons with his beagles and coonhounds. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Linda Ward, Donna Watkins, and Jeanette Fain, brothers-in-law Ezra "Ed" Pierce and Curtis Fain, and nieces Christie Munn, Stephanie Johnson, and Natasha Fain. He is survived by his wife Tina, of the home, his daughter Tracey (Wes) Gates of Hoxie, his son Scott (Angela) Ward of Bryant, step-son Dr. Robert Jones (Courtney) of Rollo, MO, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Tommie Pierce of Marshall, AR, Judy (Dennis) Holder of Hoxie, Gail Coleman, and Robin (Doug) Baltz of Walnut Ridge, and his brothers, Jerry (Rebecca) Ward of Hoxie and Terry (Barb) Ward of Walnut Ridge. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and many, many other relatives and close friends. Special mention goes to Mel and "Shot" Fender of Walnut Ridge. Shot was a very close friend to Jack, and Mel kept both Jack and Tina supplied with personally delivered, home-cooked meals during many hospitalizations as well as helping with whatever else they might need. In celebration of Jack's long and fulfilling life, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 12 at 10:00 am at Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge, with Tommy Boles officiating. Following the memorial service, burial of his cremains will take place at Lincoln-Ward Cemetery in Saffell, where his parents, sister, and grandparents are buried. In lieu of flowers, Jack's wife asks that donations be made to Lincoln-Ward Cemetery. She also asks that friends and family go on a trail ride, go hunting, or just sit and remember Jack for the loving family member and friend that he was. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Jackie "Jack" Ray Ward, please click here to visit our sympathy store. Cox Funeral Home