Dennis Ward

Dennis Ward, age 82, of Old Beech Mountain community, passed away peacefully July 14, 2025 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

 He was proceeded in death by his parents, Mike and Eula Ward, brothers Grady and JD Ward and daughter Deanna Leigh Hicks.

 Dennis is survived by his wife of 62 years Lucy Kay “Kate” Ward, children Brent Ward and wife Lisa  of Old Beech Mountain, Jodie Ward and fiancé, Nathan Cook of Valle Crucis, Brandon Ward and wife Emile’ of Old Beech Mountain, grandchildren Kyle Hicks, Sonya Hartley and husband, Matthew , Emma, Tyler,  Tate,  and  Brodie Ward, Katie and  Saleigh Daniels and Geter Cook, one great grandchild, Evan Hartley,  two brothers Elbert and Ray Ward, three sisters  Velma Gragg, Reba Church and Shirley Miller along with a number of nieces and nephews.

 He was a skilled carpenter and farmed on the side. He was a dedicated member of Beech Mountain Regular Baptist Church, where he served as deacon and church clerk.

The scripture that best fits his life comes from Matthew 7 verses 24 and 25 which read “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”

Services will be conducted at Beech Mountain Regular Baptist Church, July 17, 2025 at 11 a.m. Graveside service to follow at 1029 Flat Springs Rd, Elk Park, NC 28622.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Ward family.

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