Ray Gene Ward, 58, of Saluda, North Carolina went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 19, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. He was the son of the late Donald Gene Ward and was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Jesse Clifford Pace and Lillie Ellen Hill Pace.
He loved watching racing, watching TV with his mom, playing softball, fishing, cooking, riding his Harley and was an outdoorsman.
He was a joy to be around and loved his family and friends.
He was a member of Grace Missionary Baptist Church.
He is survived by his mother, Joyce Ann Pace Ward of Saluda; his brother Travis Ward and his wife Laura of Saluda; four daughters, Roxanna Ward of Saluda, Chelsey DeBord and her husband Tyler of Winchester, Tennessee, Charcy Ward (Roddy) of Pikeville, Tennessee and Jordan Ward of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; grandchildren, Andrew, Braydon, Makiyah, Dillon, Dallas, Ryleigh; a niece, Megan Ward; a nephew, Dylan Ward and his faithful dog Harley.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Monday, July 22nd at Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Saluda with Rev. James Shields and Rev. Phil Coleman officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends Monday, July 22nd from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Grace Missionary Baptist Church and at other times the family will be in the Fellowship Hall of Grace Missionary Baptist Church.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. John Hill and Autumn Care of Saluda for their care of Ray.
