RAY WARD

Norman Ray Ward, 93, of Buena Vista died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. 

Born June 5, 1932, he was a son of William H. Ward Sr. and Blanche Sorrels Ward.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his spouse, Gladys Slough Ward; stepchildren, Jean Coleman and Wayne Wilmeth; brothers,  Jimmy and Billy Ward; and sister Nellie Hinkle.

Ray was a lifetime and faithful member of the First Brethren Church in Buena Vista and was a retired painter and carpenter.  He served in the U.S. Navy. 

Surviving are his grandchildren, Deborah Jones, Donna Hewitt, Greg Coleman, Rochelle Schmauch and Christie Snead; stepson, Mike Wilmeth; siblings, Eddie "Butch" Ward, Alice "Snookie" Bryant; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dorsey Hostetter, Vernon Reynolds, Mike Hamilton, Shirley Lynn and several others from the First Brethren Church that took the time to care for him.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at First Brethren Church by the Rev. Michael Hamilton.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.