William Kenneth Ward

William Kenneth “Ken” Ward, 79, of Monroe, NC, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Ken was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and cherished friend. He was born in El Dorado, Arkansas, where he attended St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. His journey of faith led him through various religious traditions before he embraced the Catholic faith shortly before his marriage to his wife, Judy.

Ken was a lifelong learner, holding degrees from several institutions. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Southern Arkansas University, followed by a Master’s degree from the University of Mississippi. He continued his education with an MBA from the University of Arkansas and pursued additional post-graduate studies at the University of California Davis and Pepperdine University.

Ken worked as a High School Chemistry teacher, an Anatomy & Physiology instructor at South Piedmont Community College and in Corporate Quality Control for Gerber, HEB, and Harris Teeter. He also worked internationally as an Operations Consultant in South America, Ukraine, Russia, and Europe. He retired as an Information Systems Manager at Harris Transport in Monroe, NC. He later volunteered with the Union County Senior Center assisting other seniors with tax preparation during their annual tax program.

Ken was deeply involved with the Catholic Church alongside his wife. He served with dedication in multiple capacities, including teaching religious education and leading confirmation programs with Judy, and as a Eucharistic Minister, Cantor, and Lector. Ken always spoke highly of his time in the Cursillo movement, a Catholic lay renewal program, where he served on the leadership team for several years. His dedication to Cursillo was a testament to his commitment to fostering faith and community within the Catholic Church. His commitment to the Knights of Columbus was particularly meaningful to him. He was a 4th degree Knight and held numerous positions within the Knights, including Grand Knight and State Financial Secretary Administrator for NC.

He was also involved with the Boy Scouts, serving as a Troop Leader in Arkansas, Texas, and North Carolina. He was Catholic Coordinator for the Boy Scouts in North Carolina in the 1980s.

Ken dedicated himself to serving others, always answering the phone and being willing to assist a friend in need, but his greatest pride and commitment were always reserved for his family. His deep love and respect for his wife, Judy, his best friend and steadfast partner, was evident in everything he did. Ken took immense pride in the family he and Judy raised, cherishing each of their children, offering them a constant wave of advice from his own life lessons, and celebrating their unique successes. His support and admiration for them was the true highlight of his life.

Ken was preceded in death by his beloved son, Charles David; his parents, William and Marjorie; his sisters Cecelia Hamm and Carolyn Flournoy; and his granddaughter, Elizabeth. He is survived

by his devoted wife, Judy; his brother, Charles (Marie) of Chesapeake, Virginia; his children Michael (Carolina) of Frisco, TX; Robert (Marcilynn Smith) of Raleigh, NC; and Catherine (Greg Fee) of Weddington, NC; nine grandchildren: Catherine, Jacob, Hannah, David, Shannon, Dock, Gregory, Marek, and Violet; and great-grandchild, Aurora.

A man of deep faith, profound love, and unyielding strength, Ken leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and service.

A Funeral Mass to honor Ken will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church, 9800 Fairview Rd,, Charlotte, NC 28227, on September 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM. A visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 PM on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112, In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Luke Catholic Church or a charity of your choice in his memory.