Charles “Bud” Earl Ward Sr., 74, of Elizabethton, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 7, 2015, from his residence. “Bud” was born in Elizabethton on February 11, 1941 to the late Charles Edward Ward and Frances Marie Bowling Ward. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Martin, and a brother, Jack Ward.
“Bud” was employed as a truck driver and owned and operated his own business. He was of the Free Will Baptist faith and was a member of the Tennessee National Guard.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 55 years, Wanda Sue Little Ward, of the home; his son, Charles “Buddy” Earl Ward Jr. and wife Sue, Elizabethton; three daughters, Donna Gale Laws and husband Harvey, Elizabethton, Teresa Dupkoski and husband Melvin, Bulls Gap, and Genna Sue Price and husband Louie, Elizabethton; 10 grandchildren, Joshua, Matthew and wife Krystal, Joseph and Tashia Dupkoski, Tagan Hamm and husband Bryan, Tara Bolson and husband Christopher, Justin and wife Marsha, Jason, Ambria and Jasmine Price; five great-grandchildren, Abigail and Ariana Hamm, Aiden Bolson, Autumn and Marcus Mauk; a brother, Bobby Ward, Elizabethton; and his special friend, Sara Amador. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to honor the life of Charles “Bud’ Earl Ward Sr. will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 10, in the Riverside Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Pastor Steve Waycaster and Pastor Larry Barr officiating. A eulogy will be provided by his granddaughter, Tashia, and a poem will be read by his granddaughter, Tara. Special music will be provided by his grandsons, Justin and Jason. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service, or at the residence at anytime. The graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 11, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Military Honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be Charles Ward Jr., Joshua Dupkoski, Matthew Dupkoski, Joseph Dupkoski, Justin Price, Jason Price, Tashia Dupkoski, Tagan Hamm, Tara Bolson and David Timbs. Honorary pallbearers will be Ambria Price and Jasmine Price. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers, may make donations to Piney Flats Free Will Baptist Church Youth Fund, P.O. Box 126, Piney Flats, TN 37686. Online condolences may be shared with the family at our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Ward family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.