Robert Thomas "Tommy" Ward Jr.

     Robert (Tom) Ward, 74 of the Long Creek Community of Robbinsville, NC went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at his residence.  

     He was a native of Graham County and the son of the late, Robert Thomas Ward Sr. and Carol Snider Ward.

     Tom spent 4 years in the Air Force where he was trained to be a machinist teacher in Rantoul, Illinois.  In Rantoul, he met his wife to be at the USO, and they were married in Illinois in 1971.  After finishing his time of service, he and Denise returned to Robbinsville where they resided until his death.  Tom and Denise bought and ran Ben Franklin Store for 13 years.  They met many friends during that time.  He also ran the DMV Tag Office for many years.  After his mother's death in 2008, he took over managing the rental houses that his family owned.  Tom was an avid thinker and would often think out of the box.  His hobbies included dealing in crypto currency, CB and Ham Radio and flying his drone.  All of those hobbies gave him many hours of enjoyment.  He also enjoyed his grandchildren to the fullest.  Each one held a special place in his heart.  Tom and Denise were married one month shy of 52 years.

     He is survived by his wife, Denise Galyen Ward; Son, Jeff Ward of Crestview, FL; Daughter and son-in-law, Petra and Dwayne Carpenter of Robbinsville, NC; four grandchildren, Kandida, Tyler, Layne, Morlee; and brother, Joey Ward of Robbinsville, NC.

     A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:00 pm Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Church of the Lamb.  The Reverend Henry Ethridge and Scott Murray will officiate.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 till 6:00 pm at the church prior to the service.

     Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Ward Family.  An online register is available at townson-smithfuneralhome.com.