Billy Ray Ward of Leflore, Oklahoma was born May 27, 1937 in Leflore, Oklahoma to Robert Lee and Lucy Amanda (French) Ward and passed away January 26, 2018 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 80.

He is survived by:

His wife:
Shirley Ward of the home

Two daughters:
Teresa Gadlage and husband Dave of Louisville, Kentucky
Kelly Thornburg and husband Tim of Wister, Oklahoma

Three granddaughters:
Katrina Holt and husband TJ of Grove, Oklahoma
Amber Yount and husband Blake of Louisville, Kentucky
Madison Jaggers and husband Austin of Louisville, Kentucky

Two grandsons:
Justin McKinney and wife Vanessa of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Garrett Thornburg and wife Kandi of Heavener, Oklahoma

11 great-grandchildren:
Kieran Trace Jarman, Jaelan Rogue Holt, Ava Rose Gadlage, Ashlynn Grace Yount, Aspen Michelle Thornburg, Darrion Deshawn Prina, Kaydence Charleigh Thornburg, Zylie Jordyn Thornburg, Kaynnan Garrett Thornburg, Cadince Lasater, and Colt Lasater

Two special nieces:
Pam Zuniga and Susan Cantwell

Numerous loved ones and a host of friends

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lucy Ward; four brothers, Robert Lee Ward, Jr., Johnny James Ward, Jerry Don Ward, and Allen Walters; three sisters, Virginia Lee Gibbs, Elizabeth Kitchens, and Joan Bontley; one great-grandson, Blaise Garrett Thornburg; and one grandson-in-law, Richard Dewayne Jarman. Billy was a retired Transportation Maintenance Worker and Operator for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Poteau office. He was a member of the Leflore Baptist Church. Billy loved going to the grandkids and great-grandkids ballgames, babysitting great-grandkids, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. He was a wonderful husband for 61 years. Billy will be deeply missed by many.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 29, 2018 at Leflore Baptist Church with Mr. Steve Kitchens, Mr. TJ Holt, and Mr. M.C. Ollar officiating. Burial will be at Leflore Cemetery under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be: Kieran Trace Jarman, Anthony Wayne Ward, Wesley Ward, Dallas Ward, Donnie Ward, James Cantwell, Joe Kitchens, and Bob Waits.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Jim Waits, Harvey Walden, Johnny Ray Pope, Justin McKinney, Garrett Thornburg, and Sam Ward.

Viewing will be noon until 8:30 p.m., Saturday and 8:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m., Sunday.

The family will be visiting with friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Alzheimers Association or the Gideon Bibles in honor of Billy.