Obituary of Cecil William Ward

Cecil W. Ward, age 77, of Banner Elk, NC, the Matney community, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 12 at home surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Charlie H. and Gladys Hicks Ward. Cecil was the owner/operator of Wards Home Maintenance/Ward & Son's for 32 years, serving the Town of Beech Mountain NC. He enjoyed working on the farm, raising cattle, and especially spending time with his family. Cecil never met a stranger and always had a good story or joke to tell. Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie H. and Gladys Hicks Ward; his father- and mother-in-law, Joe S. and Geneva T. Townsend; two brothers, Melvin Ward and David Ward; and two sisters, Brenda Hughes and Alphea Hollars. Cecil is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara T. Ward; one daughter, Susan (Susie) Guy and husband, Tony; two sons, William Ward and wife, Rebecca; and Bill Ward and wife, Beverly. He is also survived by five grandsons; Jimmy Guy and wife, Kayla; Drew Guy; Robert Ward and wife, Chelsea; Buck Ward and wife, Madison; CJ Ward; and one granddaughter, Amber Ward. Eight great-grandchildren; Carter, Preston, Kaylee and Emma Grace Guy; Micaelyn Ward; Tristin and Alexis Nardi; and Ava Ward. One sister, Annis Jackson and husband Kramer; and one brother, Eugene Ward and wife Mary. A graveside service (only) will be held on Friday, November 13th at 2:00 PM. The service will be held at the Ward's Family Cemetery, located at 126 Falcon View Drive, Banner Elk, NC. The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Hospice and Palliative Care of The Blue Ridge, Spruce Pine, NC for the very special care they gave to Cecil during his sickness. Also, a very special Thank You to Mike Johnson (Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge) for the love and care given to Cecil. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge at 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Ward family.