Johnny Hugh Ward, 86, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, passing away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Ward was born July 14, 1937, in Florence County, growing up in the Camp Branch Community. He was the third child of the late Haskell “Lamar” and Lucille Lowder Ward. When he was a third grader, his family moved to Kingstree. During his high school years, he served his country in the US National Guard. He was a 1955 graduate of Kingstree High School. After graduation he worked briefly with the SC Highway Department before obtaining a position at Drexel Furniture Company, working himself up to plant manager prior to retiring with 44 years of service. Shortly after graduation, his life was forever changed after friends set him up with a blind date. After a courtship, he married Barbara Jean Brown of Lake City on May 12, 1962.

During their marriage, together they owned and operated Ward’s Convenience Store for over 30 years. As their children grew up working in the family business, they each learned from their parents’ example a strong work ethic which they carry on to this day.

Another job that was held with never ending love and adoration was that of being caregiver to his “buddy” Jeannie. Until his health no longer allowed, he enjoyed the happiness and smiles that their daily outings to pick up a drink from Sonic brought his “baby daughter”!

Johnny Hugh was a member of the First Baptist Church as well as a former member of the Williamsburg County Alcohol and Drug Abuse board. Having had his own struggle with alcoholism, he served as an understanding mentor to countless others who dealt with addiction. Many have given him credit for helping them on the path of sobriety, ultimately saving their lives. During his retirement, he enjoyed working in his yard, keeping his grass and shrubs cut to perfection while growing all types of beautiful flowers. Keeping his pool in pristine condition provided him with many times of fellowship with family and friends. Always, he had various chips, sodas, and ice cream ready to serve his guests. All his family, grands, and their friends will remember the fun Ward pool days. Two of his favorite teams were the USC Gamecocks and the Atlanta Braves, however they paled in comparison to any sporting event that involved his grandchildren! He was always at as many of their games or other events as he could. A twinkle in his eye and a huge smile were always present on his face as he spoke of their accomplishments.

Surviving to cherish the love and memories of this ever-faithful man are: his son, Johnny (Kerry) Ward of Kingstree; daughters, Jennifer (Dino) Heathcott of Kingstree, Jessica Ward of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Jeannie “Mrs. Walker Texas Ranger” Ward of the home; his grandchildren, Tripp, Tate, Teague, and Tanner Ward, Robbie (Hannah) Heathcott and Madelyn Heathcott, Kandler Ward and Camron McClary and bonus grandchildren, Conrad and Michael Balder; and his soon to be born in June, great grandson, Baker Heathcott; a special niece, Bitzi Ward Owens, as well as many other nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Ward was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Barbara, brothers, Lajoe George and James “Jimmy” Lamar Ward, sister, Adelle Ward Gamble, and a daughter-in-law, Rhonda McCants Ward.

Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Friday, May 24, 2024, at Kingstree First Baptist Church, 400 N. Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556, with burial to follow at Kingstree Memorial Gardens. Mr. Ward’s family will greet friends in the Family Life Center at the church beginning at 11 AM. Memorials may be made to the Williamsburg Academy Booster Club, PO Box 2, Kingstree, SC 29556, or a charity of one’s choice.

The family wishes to express our gratitude for the love and support shown to us by so many. An extra special thanks to Jeannie’s caregiver, Barbara Giles, for going above and beyond to do extra things to help Johnny Hugh and his family. Also, we appreciate the various medical staff, especially the 6^th floor staff at McLeod Hospital and Amedisys Home Health and Hospice for the compassionate, loving care given to Mr. Ward throughout this journey. We thank God for you all. Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituary page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.