Born on July 23, 1928, in Floyd County, he was the son of the late Jacob Taswell Smith and Minnesota Harmon Smith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Betty Reed Smith, whom he married on Feb. 14, 1951; a daughter, Janet Karen Smith; and sisters, Mabel Mills, Helen Weddle and Lucille Allen.

Surviving Mr. Smith are his son, Steven Ward Smith (Janet) of Dayton; grandchildren, Tracy Goad Bond (Jeff) of Lexington, Jeremy Steven Goad of Troutville, and Andrew Jacob Smith of Austin, Texas; great-grandchildren, Campbell Davis Bond of Lexington, and Parker Ward Goad and Avery Addison Goad, both of Troutville.

Mr. Ward served as a petty officer, third class in the U.S. Navy, and later owned the Western Auto Associate Store in Lexington for 24 years. After closing the store, he worked at Spencer Home Center. He was also a former honorary president of the Lexington Lifesaving & Rescue Squad.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Steve Cathcart officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Connections Plus Hospice, 315 Myers St., Lexington, VA 24450.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory. N-G