Rader William Ward

Born in Charleston, S.C., Rader was the son of William and Susan Ward and brother of Matthew Ward.

He was an adept computer programmer and he loved to create and play video games. Additionally, Rader was a talented rock climber and boulderer at The Mountain Goat in Greenville. In 2012, he earned his first degree black belt in tae kwon do at the age of 10. He happily spent his early years of school at Montessori of Mauldin, where he excelled in math and was king of playground games.

He is also survived by paternal grandparents, Bill and Carol Ward; and his maternal grandparents: John and Sue Nesbitt and Radi Nesbitt King.

The family will receive friends Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2-3:45 p.m. at The Mackey Mortuary. A memorial service to celebrate Rader’s life will follow at 4 p.m. in the Chapel of The Mackey Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you would make a donation to a scholarship fund we are establishing in Rader's name, to give other students the chance to attend Montessori School of Mauldin, where from age 3 through 5th grade, he spent some of the happiest times of his life.

Please visit https://www.gofundme.com/rader-ward-memorial-fund to make a donation online, or send a check made out to Montessori School of Mauldin, with Rader Ward Memorial Scholarship Fund on the memo line, to the school at 205b E Butler Road, Mauldin SC 29662.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor.