J. L. Ward

J.L. Ward of North Little Rock was born March 9, 1923 in Quitman, Arkansas to Vernon and Stella Ward and passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 in Sherwood, Arkansas at the Sherwood Nursing Home and Rehab Center (SNRC). At the age of 17, J.L. joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) and worked on the West Mountain in Hot Springs. He joined the U.S. Army in 1943 and later was part of the 26th Mobile Reclamation and Repair Squadron based in Crookham Common, England during 1943-1945. As a glider mechanic, he helped to prepare gliders for the Allied invasion of Normandy. He then served in France and Germany until the end of the war. J.L. married Georgia Ruth Price in 1949 and shared 65 happy years with her until her death in 2014. He retired from Arkansas Best Freight (ABF) in 1984, and was active with the Teamster Retirees group for many years. J.L. was deeply devoted to his family. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Georgia Ruth, one granddaughter and all eight of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his children, Judy Nagle and her husband, William, of North Little Rock; Larry Ward of North Little Rock and Annett Bradley and her husband, Eddie of Conway. Other survivors include his sister-in-law, Beth Wurst; grandchildren, Shannon Brooks, Jeff Ward, Justin Ward, Kristin Law, Trey Bradley and Erin Bradley as well as great-grandchildren, Noah Brooks, Avery Brooks, Marion Ward and Gabriella Ward. Visitation will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 16. Funeral services follow at 2:30 p.m. with burial immediately thereafter. All arrangements will be held at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Rd., North Little Rock. The family of Mr. Ward would like to sincerely thank the physicians and staff at the Fox Ridge Assisted Living, and at the SRNC , along with the staff of Gentiva Hospice for their loving care and support over the past two years. Online guestbook available at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.