Roger Lee Ward

Roger Ward, 74 passed away on March 7, 2025. He was born on March 13, 1950 in West Virginia and was one of 10 children. He served two tours in Vietnam in the United States Navy aboard USS America CV66. He is survived by his wife Kay, two daughters Dawn(Jeff) and Maryellen(Trinidad) and one son Neil(Michelle), and grandchildren Jarrett, Seth, Lindsay and one great grandchild Brayden as well as a sister Joyce in West Virginia.

After the Navy and a few other jobs he started his career as a barber in Salem VA owning his own shop for over 40 years until he had to retire against his wishes due to the start of health problems. This was a great job for him because boy did he like to shoot the bull, and he always had a story to tell. In his younger years he sang in a church quartet where he went to different churches to share his love of music and God. He had such a great voice and even sang at Dawn's wedding.

Roger was a member of VFW Post 1264 where he served as commander for a term. He had many friends and enjoyed helping other veterans in any way he could. After retirement he started tinkering with making jewelry using a fly tie fishing device due to losing the use of his hand(s). He and his daughter Dawn decided to take those wares to local vendor shows where he could get out of the house and meet new people. Roger, never met a stranger and everyone loved his infectious smile, witty personality and those beautiful blue eyes. He was loved by all who met him and had many nicknames main one being Cowboy, he loved his hats.

The last few years has been very rough, but he always seemed to take it in stride but he became very tired and just could not hang on any longer. He put up a long fight while being a prisoner stuck in his own body. It was very sad to watch but he did it. We want to thank the staff at the VA Medical Center for taking excellent care of him the last seven weeks of his life, they were all amazing. We also want to thank the caregivers at the Davis and McDaniel Veterans Care Center for taking care of him the eight months prior.

Dad, we know you are in a much better place with no more pain and suffering we will mourn you for all the days to come earthside but I know you are watching down on us and will have a place saved for when we come join you and boy it will be a party for sure. It was a pleasure to be able to care for you the last five years or so and we wouldn't have changed anything. We love and miss you very much but it's not goodbye, it's see you later. Rest easy daddy, we love your forever, your girls, Dawn and Maryellen.

There will be a graveside service with military honors in the Garden of Good Shepherd in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens on Wed March 12th at 2PM with Pastor Michael Peck officiating. All are welcome to come celebrate dad's life with us.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.