Ralph Ward, 83, of Kingsport, went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, May 18, 2014, at Asbury Place, Baysmont in Kingsport. He loved the Lord and he loved his family.
A native of Elizabethton, Tenn., he was the son of the late Honard Ward and Mary Sue Ward.
Ralph was a United States Navy Veteran and served during the Korean War. He graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1954 and retired from Eastman Kodak as an engineering technician after 32 years of service.
Ralph was a very precious man and will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Mary Ward, and his sister, Carol Bradley.
Ralph is survived by his son, Mark Ward, Kingsport; daughter, Linda Christian and husband, Larry of Johnson City; brother, Raymond Ward and wife, Pam of Elizabethton, Tenn.; sister, Wanda Sparks and husband, Charles of Elizabethton, Tenn.; sister, Betty Shelnutt of Daytona Beach, Fla.; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family would like to say a very special thank you to all the staff of Asbury Baysmont for their kindness and loving care of Ralph. We also thank Lisa Perry for her sweet and special loving care of our dad.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 22, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. with Dr. Shannon Salyer officiating. Graveside services will be conducted on Friday, May 23, at 10 a.m. at Monte Vista Memorial Park in Johnson City, Tenn. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an online condolence for the family.
Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport, is serving the family of Ralph Ward.