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 March 10, 1946, in Bono, 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 and 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; stepson, Dr. Robert Jones (Courtney) of Rolla, Mo.; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters, Tommie Pierce of Marshall, Judy (Dennis) Holder of Hoxie, and Gail Coleman and Robin (Doug) Baltz, both 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 Saturday, July 12, at 10 a.m. 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 around and remember Jack for the loving family member and friend that he was.