John Ray Ward

John Ray Ward, 87, of Davidson County, passed away peacefully at his home, Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, January 22, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Pilgrim Reformed Church, with Rev. Richard Moore officiating, with burial to follow immediately after the service.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 PM before the service at the church.

John Ray was born on May 21, 1935, in Davidson County to the late John Daniel Ward and Lottie Fritts Ward. He retired from Lexington Telephone Company as a lineman and was a member of Pilgrim Reformed Church. John Ray enjoyed the outdoors, often fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was known to have a big heart and would go out of his way to help others. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Joni Ward; granddaughter, Carly Allen; brothers, Buford Ward, Ed Ward, Dan Ward, and Archie Ward; and sisters, Edith Truitt, Jackie Farabee and Kaye Everhart.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 65 years, Dorcas Ward, of the home; two daughters, Tammy Allen (Dale) of Lexington, and Lori Alexander (Joey) of Lexington; three sisters, Ruth Jolly of Lexington, Doris Hedrick of Lexington, and Mary Workman (David) of Thomasville; four grandchildren, Jessica Hill Williams (Russell), Chelsea Hill Hoag (Cody), Yvette Hill Beatty (Craig), and Jamie Hill Connotillo; and three great-grandchildren, Landon Hoag, Jordy Hoag, and Anson Williams.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pilgrim Reformed Church General Funds or Cemetery Funds, 797 Pilgrim Church Rd. Lexington, NC 27295.