James Ronnie Ward

James Ronnie Ward, age 63 of Batesville died Thursday, August 11, 2011 at the White River Medical Center in Batesville. He was born August 27, 1947 at Batesville, Arkansas to James Henry and Betty Jo Martin Ward. He served in the U. S. Army National Guard Reserve, retired from ConAgra in Batesville where he worked for 30 years and was a past member of the Mt. Zion Masonic Lodge at Southside. He loved his family and his dogs and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Batesville.He was preceded in death by his father, James H. Ward.Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Janet Hughes Ward of the home, two sons, Jamie H. Ward and wife Jenny and Corey Alan Ward and wife Jessica, mother, Betty Jo Ward and brother, Reggie K. Ward all of Batesville, sister, Regina Marlin of Tampa, Florida, five grandchildren, Nathan Duke, Hayden Ward, Tabyn Ward and Taft Ward all of Batesville and Alyssa Ward of Bakersfield, California, several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.A graveside memorial service will be held Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville with Bro. Paul Seay officiating. Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service.No visitation is planned.Honorary pallbearers are Mac McClure, Bob Pinkston, Jack Duke, Jerry Hatman, Carroll Smith, Billy Martin, Chick Standsberry, Chad McClure and Wesley McClure.