Jodie Dean Ward of Oak Hill, WV passed away on September 12, 2020 at his home with his beloved wife Janet, and his children, Kevin and Janis by his side.
He was born February 6, 1937 in Scarbro, WV to Florence Taylor and Toney Ward. He grew up in Scarbro working on the family farm. Due to family circumstances, he started working at A & P Tea Company grocery store in 1953 at the age sixteen to help support his family. One of his first investments upon getting a job was to buy house insurance for the family home. From a young age and throughout his life, he made it a priority to care and provide for his family. His generosity and empathy extended to neighbors and friends as well. He was the friend or neighbor who cut your grass, loaned you money, cleaned up the neighborhood street and cared for stray animals. He always had great empathy for those in need and did his best to help. In 1955, at the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the Army and sent the majority of his paycheck to his parents. He served in the Army from 1955 to 1957 and in the WV National Guard from 1957-1963. Upon leaving the Army, he continued to work for A & P as a butcher until 1974. Jodie served as a union shop stewart for AFL & CIO Union Local 347 while employed at A & P. In 1974 he accepted a job to work for the Local 347 as a Union Organizer and held this position until his retirement in 1994. It was a very stressful vocation but one he whole heartedly believed in, always a supporter of the working person. He was a lifelong member of AFL CIO Local 347 from September 1953 until death. He was also a Lifetime Member of the National Rifle Association since April 1, 1977. He was a member of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons Lodge 120 in Oak Hill, WV from December 2, 1971.
Jodie was an avid gun enthusiast and a founding member of the Fayette Gun Club. Shooting skeet and spending time with his friends at the Gun Club was by far his favorite past time. He was at home with the people at the gun club who shared his passion.
He was preceded in death by his sister Patricia Davis. Survivors include his wife of fifty seven years Janet Louise Ward, children Jodie Kevin Ward (Cristina) of Hedgesville, WV and Janis Ward Irey (Philip) of King George, VA and five grandchildren; Philip Irey, Nathan Irey, Nicholas Ward, Christopher Ward and Ashley Ward. He is also survived by his brother Dennis Ward of Jacksonville, FL, his sister Nina Witter of Canton, Ohio and many nieces and nephews. Jodie was a strong, proud and caring man who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.