Robert Howard Ward

Robert Howard ‘Bob’ Ward, age 87, of Valle Crucis, passed away peacefully Saturday

morning, September l6, 2023 at his home. Born June 23, 1936 in Watauga County, Bob was

a son of Alfred Howard and Virginia Dare Ward.

Bob served in the US Army from 1953 to 1956. He then served another 30 years in the NC

Army National Guard where he retired as 1st Sergeant. He was very proud of his military

career and received numerous recognitions throughout the years.

Bob worked for Blue Ridge Electric as a lineman for more than a decade. From there he

spent 33 years of his career as the building inspector for Watauga County. He was respected

and admired by contractors and builders all around the county and made many lifelong

friends along the way.

Bob owned and operated Ward’s Enterprises, a woodworking and cabinet shop for many

years. He built many custom pieces that are cherished by his family and friends. He later

owned and operated Sarge’s Diner in Valle Crucis. Bob loved to cook and developed many

of his own recipes for the diner. He was known for his barbecue and personally created

sauces.

Bob was a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner, as well as Past Master of the Masonic Snow

Lodge #363.

Bob was an active member of Valle Crucis United Methodist Church. He served many roles

within the church. His church family was very special to him, and he always loved the time

he spent with them.

Bob loved music and enjoyed sharing his love for bluegrass with everyone. He was a

talented banjo player and spent many years playing with a bluegrass band. He found so

much joy in sharing his love for music with his grandchildren.

He was loved by all who knew him, never met a stranger, found the good in everyone, and

was always willing to lend a hand. He loved his family fiercely and will be greatly missed.

Bob is survived by his wife, Geraldene Trivett Ward; daughters, Terry Leigh Ward of Valle

Crucis and Robin Ward Miller and husband, Curt, of Raleigh; special niece, Piper Woodring

and husband, Steve, of Boone; three grandsons, Robert Jason Greene and wife, Casie of

Mountain City, TN, and Tucker and Carson Isaacs, both of Charlotte; three step-

grandchildren, Lea, Ryan and Kaylee Miller, all of Raleigh; and two great-

grandchildren, Zachary Laird of Burlington and Cory Williams of Mountain City, TN.

Numerous nieces, nephews and special family friends, Scott Wallace and Michele Gragg also

survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Tamberlyn Ward

Alderson, son-in-law, Fred Alderson, and siblings, Ruth Lusk, Ruby Tester and Melvin, Cub,

Raymond, and Dean Ward.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening, September 23rd, from 6 until 8:00 PM at

the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Bob Ward will be conducted Sunday afternoon, September 24, 2023 at

3:00 PM at Valle Crucis United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. David Rorie and Rev.

Mike Marcela.

Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post #130 and Masonic

graveside services provided by Snow Lodge #363, will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park

& Gardens.

The family would also like to thank Amorem for the wonderful care provided to Bob by the

nurses and staff.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial donations may be made to Snow Lodge #363 in care

of Randy Vines, 1005 George Wilson Road, Boone, NC 28607.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at

www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Howard Ward, please visit our floral store.