Obituaries

William Robert Ward (WR)

Photo of William Robert Ward (WR)
William Robert Ward (WR), age 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, at his home surrounded by his family. William Robert was born in Campbellton, Fla. and raised in Malone, Florida. He later moved to Woodville, Texas where he began his career in the timber business. In 1960 he moved to Malvern, Ark. where he established Ward Pulpwood Company. He put all he had into making his business a success. He employed many pulpwood haulers and timber workers throughout his years and was much respected by all of them. He enjoyed bird hunting and always had his favorite bird dogs. His passion was his thoroughbred race horses. He loved being around them, working with them, and watching them race. Every foal that was born on his farm was always "the prettiest one he had ever seen." Robert also loved music and loved to sing around his family members. He got a kick out of teaching his grandchildren some of his favorite funny songs. Another favorite pastime was playing bridge with his family and friends, especially his "angels" Maxine, Lyndal, and Reba. Robert served in the Air Force, was a member of the First Baptist Church in Malvern, and a member of the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders Horse Association. When he was healthy he enjoyed cruising his timber alone or with anyone who was willing and able to go with him that day. After a day of riding and looking at timber, he would always manage to finish his day at his "little piece of heaven on earth," W.R. Ward Foxx Hollow Farm. Robert will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Edward and Olga Hinson Ward, and a brother Edward Foxx Ward. Left to cherish beautiful memories are his wife, Maxine Thornton Ward, his children Bill Ward (Martha), Suzanne Ward Hammond (Thomas), Debra Ward Puckett (Don), John Ward (Dani), Olga Ward and their mother, Sue Ward; two sisters, Olga English (Jack) and Annette Smith; two sisters-in-law Jean Derby and Mary Cullen; his step-children Nikki Lackey, and Ryan Petty (Angela). He will also be dearly missed by ten grandchildren, Brittanie Lowery(Bret), Brooke Ward, Adam Ward, Katy Tankersley, Tara Madsen (Jason), Travis Puckett (Stacey), Amber Ward, Dusty Ward, Tiffanie Marsh (Chad), and Holli Jester. He also leaves behind seven step-grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; one niece, Allison Matthews (Ace), and six nephews, Bob English, Tim English (Cindy), Wayne Smith(Maria), Rodney Smith(Stephanie) , Doug Ward (Becky), and Roger Ward (Barbie). Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 24, from 3-5 p.m. at Regency Funeral Home in Malvern. Funeral service will be Monday, Feb. 25, at 11 a.m. at Regency Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Tyler Thompson officiating. Interment will be at Ouachita Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bob English, Tim English, Roger Ward, Doug Ward, Wayne Smith and Rodney Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Bruce Burton and staff, Hot Springs Hospice Home Care, Dorsey D. Glover, A. Brady Auld, Jack Eason, and Chris Williams. A very special thank you to his caregivers Delphia McWhirter and Beverly Puckett, and to Thomas Hammond, his traveling buddy for the past seven years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 611 S. Main Street, Malvern, Ark. 72104. Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guest book at www.regencyfuneralhome.com.

Published February 24, 2013

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