Thomas Richard Ward SR “Tom” age 80 from Hendersonville, NC passed away on October 3, 2024 after a short illness.
He was the son of Donald Grady Ward Sr. and Katherine Harris Ward of Dana, NC.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth “Jean” Ward, three children, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren: daughter Julie Quinn and husband Jackie, daughter Tammie Cox and husband Tommy, son Richie Ward and wife Debbie. Grandchildren are Jared Quinn and wife Krystalyn, Hope Quinn and husband Matthew Bodenhamer, Samantha Bolton and husband Stephen, and Thomas Ward III. Great grandchildren are Anatasia Quinn and Laurel Bodenhamer. Tom is survived by three sisters: Frances Gosnell, Elizabeth Ann Worth (Betty) and husband Robert, Karen Clark and husband Lamar, sister-in-law Laura Ward and two brothers Wendell Eugene Ward, and James Edwin Ward (Jim) and wife Lorraine. Tom was proceeded in death by brothers Donald Grady Ward Sr. (Jack), James Edward Ward, William Arthur Ward Sr. (Bill), Carroll Fredrick Ward Sr. (Bud), Lawrence Greggory Ward Sr. and Elmer Dean Ward.
Tom was one of twelve brothers and sisters. Tom owned and operated Ward’s Slaughtering Company and was also a local apple grower and farmer. He could often be seen driving a John Deere. Tom was also a devoted antique hunter who loved to buy and sell antiques. Tom was an avid baseball and softball player in his younger days and was known as “Tuk or Tucker” by his softball teammates and friends due to his ability to hit home runs almost at will. Tom was a serious fan of western TV shows such as Gunsmoke, The Riflemen, and Tales of Wells Fargo.
A celebration of life for friends and family is being planned at Berkeley Park, and details will be shared shortly.
Condolences may be sent to the Ward family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or C/O Jackson Funeral Service 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please include the name of the deceased on the condolence.