Roger Dale Ward

Roger Dale Ward, 69, of Forest, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. Roger was a Christian who had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He lived out his faith by showing love to all he met.

While Roger may be described as a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Son, and Friend, those words don’t adequately capture who he was.

Roger was married to his devoted wife, Mattie Bell Ward, whom he loved with his whole heart. If one observed them, they would see this love professed in a simple look between them, or in the way they cared for one another. His never-ending love, support and kindness etched many great memories that will last forever.

To his six children and their spouses, he was loving, comforting, fair, a teacher and a living example of how to care for and love others. His children include Sherry Mueller and husband Bert, Cindy Forren and husband Mike, R.D. Ward, Jr. and wife Noel, Dustin Ward and wife Wendy, Cody Ward and fiancée Jess, and Grant Ward. He had high expectations of us and challenged us to work hard and be “better”. He questioned us when opinions differed and loved us unconditionally. He trusted us, loved us and believed in us. He laughed and cried with us and he celebrated with us.

He was a fun-loving Poppy to nine wonderful grandchildren. Much like a kid himself, he could be found in the floor tickling and wrestling to their heart’s content. He enjoyed taking them to breakfast and always ensured their favorite snacks were on hand. They always knew there would be a huge smile and a warm embrace waiting when they walked through Poppy and Mimi’s door. His grandchildren include Nicolas Moore; Abby, Clayton, and Austin Forren; Matthew Allen; Marlena and Kathleen Ward; Melody Ward and Liam Phillips. He was preceded in death by two grandsons, Jakob Mueller and Paul Ward.

Roger was a caring and loving son to his parents, the late Stanley Ward and Dorothy Blackburn Ward, as well as his stepmother, Maydell Ward. He is survived by his brother Stanley H. Ward and wife Christine, who will always remember his generous spirit and love of family. He is also survived by his step-sisters, Jessica Drake and Linda Pack (Harold) and his step-brother Jimmy Bragg. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Ward and sister, Donnie Ward. As an uncle, Roger was warm-hearted and affectionate to his nieces and nephews. Roger enjoyed the close relationship with his sister-in-law LaVerne Martin and husband Bob, as well as their son, R.B. Martin Jr., wife Alice and their daughter, Elizabeth. He was grateful for their love and support.

Roger’s outgoing personality, quick sense of humor and genuine caring nature provided him with many loyal friends. His ability to instantly connect with others made one feel welcomed and loved as if they had known him their whole life. He truly lived out the commandment to love your neighbor as you love yourself, which speaks volumes about his character.

Roger was a talented builder and craftsman, spending his career in the residential and commercial construction industries. After 18 years as a construction superintendent with Venture Construction, he happily retired 4 years ago. While his building accomplishments can be found at sites across the country, his most rewarding projects were those he completed for his and Mattie’s home, or the homes of his children and friends. From barns to man caves, custom bar tops to decks, he was a magician with wood. He took great pride in his work and the opportunity to share his skills and knowledge with his family and friends.

He was a member of the Moose Lodge #1727, where he and Mattie loved to dance and socialize with friends. He was also a member of Fairview United Methodist Church. He enjoyed playing golf as much as possible. In his opinion, it was a good day if he shot under 100! Breakfast fellowships with the ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) Club and the Hardee’s group brought joy each week. He loved hosting a fish fry and making his famous peanut butter fudge for family and friends.

During his 33 month journey with cancer, Roger received compassionate and excellent care from his team of doctors. Dr. David Smith of Access Healthcare was a constant source of support and empathy. Dr. Emily Jenkins and Dr. Michael O’Neill at Pearson Cancer Center were diligent about balancing the quantity of his life with his quality of life. This was so important to him and his family. The family also wishes to express their love and appreciation to their dear friends, the McCarter family, who were steadfast in their devotion to Roger and Mattie, completing numerous day to day chores that simply made their lives easier.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 25, 2017 at Tharp Funeral Home Lynchburg.

A Celebration of Roger’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 26, 2017 in the chapel of Tharp Funeral Home Lynchburg, Pastor Brandon Baber officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers or meals, please consider donations to the Pearson Cancer Center-Centra Foundation, 1920 Atherholt Rd., Lynchburg VA 24501 or Fairview United Methodist Church, 3041 Campbell Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24501. Alternatively, select a charity of your choice.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.