Funeral services for Mr. Robert Andrew Ward, Sr. will be held Friday, December 20, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church, Meridian. Viewing will be held one hour prior to service at the church. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 19, 2019 from 5:00-6:00 PM at the funeral home. Mr. Ward, 80 of Meridian expired Saturday, December 14, 2019 at his residence.

“As some people journey through life, they leave footprints wherever they go. Footprints of kindness and love, courage and compassion, humor and inspiration, joy and faith. Even when they are gone, we can still look back and clearly see the trail they left behind and a trail bright with hope that invites us to follow.” ~Philippians 2:12-17; Peter 3: 8-15 Robert was the second of three children born on April 15, 1938 to Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Lela Ward in Choctaw, AL. He was affectionately known as “Baby Ray”. Robert accepted Christ at an early age and united with Millwood Primitive Baptist Church in Pennington, AL. He then later united with Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church of Meridian, MS, where he was a dedicated member serving as a Deacon, Pathfinder Leader, faithful Head Elder and a great mentor where he remained a member until God called him to rest. He attended Choctaw Elementary and Indian Springs High School in Choctaw, AL. He then went to Harris High School in Meridian, MS where he finished his high school education. He served in the United States Army Armed Forces as Private First Class from 1955-1957. He was later Honorably discharged in 1957. On December 4, 1961, he united in Holy Matrimony to the late Joanna Maye Ward and to this union, they were blessed with six (6) children. He enjoyed spending time with his family, loved and enjoyed being known as the “Channel Master”, “dropping the hammer down, dusting britches” on his CB friends, singing with the Ephesus Male Chorus and playing his guitar. He also had a passion for photography and loved taking pictures. He was very friendly, always smiling and a very humorous person. He worked many years as a Custodian in the Lamar Building, WMOX Radio Station, Parkview Elementary and Magnolia Middle School. On the evening of Saturday, December 14, 2019, God summoned Robert Andrew Ward, Sr. to depart this earthly life. He leaves to cherish his legacy, his six (6) children: Anita Renee Ward, Barbara McMullan and Jeffrey (Evelyn) Ward, all of Meridian, MS, Melinda Ward of Columbus, MS, Jeanette Ward of Meridian and Robert (Kamika) Ward, Jr. of Austin, TX; sixteen (16) grandchildren; fifteen (15) great-grandchildren; one (1) sister: Dorothy (Henry C.) Anderson of Russell, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Robert will be truly missed.