Elder Douglas C. Ward

On the morning of May 9, 2025, the Lord called one of his faithful servants, Elder Douglas Carver
Ward, to eternal rest. Douglas, affectionately known as "Doug" was born on February 13, 1956, in
Crockett County, TN to Paul and Freddie Mae Ward. The fourth child to this union, Doug grew up with
his siblings in a loving a supportive family.
Doug was a man of quiet strength, unwavering love, and deep integrity. He attended school in the local
county and graduated from Crockett County High School, Maury City, TN with the class of 1974.
During his time in high school, Doug was a member of the basketball team, and he was quite a
remarkable athlete. Under the leadership of Coach Dan Black, Doug and his teammates played in the
state basketball tournament in Memphis, TN – which was a rarity back then. After high school, Doug
furthered his education at the McKellar Field Technology School, where he majored in Electronics.
Over the years Douglas was gainfully employed. His journey began at ITT, Milan, TN, then he spent over 20 years at ABB, Inc., Alamo, TN. From ABB, he joined BlueScope, Inc., Jackson, TN, and he remained there until his retirement in July 2024. Doug was reared in the church, and he made the decision to further
his walk with Christ at the Community Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Elder
L.D. Blalark. Doug was a faithful member of the church, and he served in several capacities. He was a
deacon, a Sunday School teach and later received ordination as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ.
He was the Sunday School Superintendent for over 20 years and remained faithful to this assignment
until his health declined. He loved and enjoyed this role very much, and he was always excited for Super
Sunday, a time when members would invite guests to Sunday School. Aside from his roles in the local
church, he also served as the Brownsville District Sunday School Superintendent for seven years.
While Doug was meek and mild, he embraced an opportunity to share in the build up of his community
in the furtherance of education for the youth. Doug had an interest in ensuring our future generations
were properly educated, and he served as a member of the Alamo City Schools Board of Directors for 25
years.
On September 24, 1977, Doug married the love of his life, Betty Sue Swift. Together they built a life built
on love and faith in God. To this union, three children were born. Affectionally called, the "K Girls,"
Doug was the epitome of a "girl dad" to Kristy, Kalesha, and Kendra. He lovingly guided, protected, and
ensured their security and stability. He was their pillar of strength and a great role model – always
encouraging their efforts and reminding them to keep God first. He was a devoted family man and
cherished spending time with his loved ones, whether it was for family gatherings, vacationing together,
or supporting his family in their extracurricular activities. His five grandkids, all boys, Erion, Jayln, CJ,
Kingston, and Kaden were his pride and joy.
Doug was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Sue Ward, parents, Paul and Freddie Mae Ward,
grandparents, Fred and Alberta Ward, and three brothers, Ivory Joe, Paul Jr., and Tyrone Ward.
He leaves to cherish his memories three daughters, Kristy Ward, Union City, TN, Kalesha Ward,
Murfreesboro, TN, and Kendra Ward, Cordova, TN; five grandsons, Erion, Jayln, CJ, Kingston, and
Kaden; three sisters, Marva (William) Dupree, Bartlett, TN, Roberta Lumpkin, Dyersburg, TN, and Diana
(Frank) McCurrie, Humboldt, TN; a special sister-in-law Rose Ward, Maury City, TN; sisters-in-law,
Dorothy Walls, Memphis, TN and Mattie Bender, Chicago, IL; a bonus sister, Theresa Powell, Maury
City, TN, and a host of loving in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.