Milton Gene Ward

Milton Gene Ward, 83, of Cedar Bluff, Va., passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Born August 11, 1942, in Keen Mountain, Va., he was the son of the late Lloyd and Ida Ward.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, James Ward and Lloyd Ward Jr. and sister, Pauline Smith.
Milton was a beloved husband, father, and papaw and a friend to all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joann Ward; daughter, Teresa Ward Smith; son, Gary Ward (Carol George); sister, Nancy Beasley of Marvin, Va., sister-in-law, Carol Edwards of Jefferson City, Tenn.; brother-in-law, Charlie (Addie) Kennedy of Belfast, Va.
His pride and joy was his grandkids, Shawn, Marcus (Brandi), Tyler, Rachael, and Diamond and his great grandkids, Kaelyn, Oliver, Charlotte, Jace and Kellen. He was a special poppy to Kylan.
Special thanks to the staff of Caris Healthcare Hospice for their loving care provided.
UMWA rites will be conducted by the UMWA Subdistrict 28 Chaplain Corps at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, in the Owens Funeral Service Chapel. Funeral services will follow with Rev. Don Smith and Rev. Butch Acord officiating.
Interment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens in Cedar Bluff.
Pallbearers will be grandsons, Shawn Marcus, and Tyler and special nephews, Michael, Freddie and Jody Reynolds.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 1p.m. until 2 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.
Share condolences with the family at www.owensfuneralservice.com.
Owens Funeral Service, 7 Tate Ave., Lebanon, Va., is in charge of arrangements.