Mr. Jack Emerson Ward

Jack Emerson Ward, age 80 of Stuart, Virginia went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 26, 2015. He was born in Roanoke, Virginia on November 14, 1934 to the late Ralph Emerson and Eleanor Kennedy Ward. He graduated from Beaver High School in 1952, attended McLains Business School and completed ABA Advanced Banking Training at the University of Virginia. Jack began his career at the First National Bank of Bluefield, WV then moved to Roanoke, VA with the First National Exchange Bank. In 1967, at the age of 33, Jack accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer of the First National Bank of Stuart. During his tenure, Jack opened four additional bank offices in Patrick County, implemented a computerized record-keeping system and automated teller machines and served as President of the Virginia Bankers Association. He retired as President of the Bank in 1995 to spend more time with his family and his cows. Throughout his life, Jack was an avid and gifted sportsman. He played golf competitively with his friends at Gordon Trent Golf Course until he was well into his 70's. He enjoyed fishing with his friend Wilbur and later in life with his grandchildren. Jack was active with a number of charities for years and held many leadership positions at Stuart United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School for over 40 years. Jack spent many happy hours visiting his farm with his beloved dog, Lady, building fences, barns and getting up hay. In later years, he enjoyed taking his grandchildren to the farm for skeet shooting sessions.
Jack is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sue B. Ward of the home; two sons, Rick Ward of Stuart, Kevin and his wife, Terry of Raleigh, North Carolina; one daughter, Karen Overby and her husband, Mark of High Point, North Carolina; and his beloved grandchildren, Sarah and Michael Ward, Adrianna and Andrew Overby and Matt Stallings. He is also survived by two brothers, Ted Ward and wife, Dodie of Gig Harbor, Washington, Dick Ward and his wife, Margaret of Miami, Florida, along with many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Pastor Tommy Shepherd officiating. Burial will follow in Patrick Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 419 South Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27103. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.