Luther Cornelius Ward II

Luther Cornelius "Neal" Ward II, 68, passed away on December 29, 2025, in Johnsonville, South Carolina.

A son of the late Luther Cornelius and Carolyn Prater Ward, Neal, as he was referred to by all who knew him, was born on October 17, 1957, in Hemingway, South Carolina. He lived a life marked by dedication to his work, deep love for his family, and a passion for the outdoors and sports.

A proud graduate of Johnsonville High School, Neal was a member of the JHS Flashes baseball team during the early 1970s. His love for the game continued throughout his life as he remained an avid supporter of USC Gamecock baseball, holding season tickets and rarely missing a game. After high school, he attended Francis Marion College before embarking on a career as an electrical engineer. In his later years, he brought his expertise and strong work ethic to Silverleaf Construction, where he found great satisfaction in the hours he spent on the job.

Neal was known for being a hard-working man who loved his family deeply. He found joy in simple pleasures-golfing with friends, hunting in the woods of South Carolina, casting a line while fishing-and most especially in time spent with the family that he so dearly cherished.

Neal is survived by sons: Luke Ward, Jacob (Rebekah) Ward, and Daniel (Charee Shubert) Ward; granddaughters, Lily Ward and Ripley Ward; sister, Gail Ward-Besser; nieces: Tara Thigpen, Rachel Hanna, and Victoria Crawford; nephew, Matthew Besser; as well as many great-nieces and nephews; and his father- and mother-in-law, Donnie and Angie Coker.

In addition to his parents, Neal was preceded in death by his sister Melanie Jeanniene Ward; ex-wife Donna Coker Ward, the mother of his sons; and brother-in-law, Jeffrey Besser.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026 in the Morris Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 to 1:45 p.m. in the Morris Funeral Home Chapel, 416 N Main Street, Hemingway, South Carolina, 29554.

Burial, directed by Morris Funeral Home of Hemingway, will take place in the Hugh Hanna Family Cemetery located at 598 Hanna Cemetery Road, Johnsonville, South Carolina, 29555 immediately following the funeral.

Please sign the guest book at morris-funeralhome.com