Calvin Ward Obituary

JOHNSON CITY - Calvin Coolidge Ward, 96, Johnson City went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Calvin was a son of the late John and Mary Presnell Ward. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II as Corporal. Among his many jobs, he guarded German prisoners and returned displaced persons back to their place of origin. Calvin was the manager of Seaver's Bakery for over 50 years. His favorite hobbies were buying and selling antiques and jewelry. He was known for loving a good garage sale. Calvin and his wife, Ruth loved to travel and were proud to say they had visited all of the lower 48 states. Some of their favorite trips were going to Disney World, the beach and traveling out west with family and friends.

Calvin was a faithful member of Happy Valley Church of Jesus Christ (now known as Word of Life Church) for more than 60 years where he served over 50 years as a Deacon. All those who knew him declared him to be one of the kindest, most caring, finest Christian men that they had ever met. Calvin left a legacy for his children and grandchildren. It wasn't in riches or fame, but a heart full of love and a Christian walk that was an example to us all. He never failed to tell us "I pray for you every day".

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Melissa Ward; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Ward; four sisters, Bessie Lee Presnell, Evie Ward, Mary Alice Hammitt and Martha Ward; five brothers, Howard, Casey, Garfield, Clifton and James Elbert Ward.

Survivors include his loving wife of 76 years, Nancy Ruth Sorrell Ward; his children, Rocky Ward and his wife, Teresa of Johnson City, Keith Ward and his wife, Tandy of Johnson City, Barbara Whitson and her husband, J.D. of Gray and Sarah Chapman and her husband, Scott of Jonesborough; eight grandchildren, Holly Keplinger and husband, Larry, Adam ward and wife, Rachel, Tony Ward and wife, Anna, Billy Ward and wife, Carey, Nicki Ward, Jennifer Johnson and husband, Erik, Julie Murray and husband, Matthew and Tyler Chapman; fourteen great-grandchildren, Katie, Andrew, Whitney, Hunter, Haley, Anthony, Miranda, Savannah, Abigail, Bella, Torri, William, Abbie and Gracie; seven great-great-grandchildren, Carson, Kenna, Emeryn, Sybil, Neil, Nolan and Zion, with two more on the way; also many nieces and nephews. Special mention to Dwayne, Tom, Orlis and the late Claude Luttrell who were Calvin's Mall buddies that he enjoyed going to see every week.

Funeral services for Calvin will be conducted at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 16, 2023 in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City with Rev. Donny Reagan and Rev. Darrell Ward officiating. Special music by Harry Reagan and Pastor Donny. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until the service hour. A private graveside service will be held in the Highland Church Cemetery in Jonesborough. Pallbearers will be Adam Ward, Tony Ward, Billy Ward, Tyler Chapman, Larry Keplinger, Erik Johnson, Matthew Murray and Hunter Ward.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the Word of Life Church Missionary Fund.

Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com. Arrangements by Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City. 423-928-2245