Arthur Blaine Ward

Arthur Blaine Ward passed away on 13 March 2026, surrounded by those who loved him. Hewas born on the 28th of September 1948 to Martha and Blaine Ward of Sugar Grove NC. Arthur was a simple man who loved the lord and was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church where he enjoyed services and fellowship. He was a master carpenter for 35 years completing many projects in Watauga County and the surrounding area. Through Ward Construction he touched so many lives and left a legacy that will stand the test of time. Arthur loved his family and spending time with them. He could always be seen happy around his family and playing jokes on them. He enjoyed working on and building tractors that he liked to bring to surrounding tractor shows. He also enjoyed a good, sweet snack on the couch watching crime or car shows, sometimes taking a small nap. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, His former wife and friend Alice Ward, an infant daughter Diana Ward, and stepson Michael Frederick.

Those left to cherish Arthur’s memory include his wife of 20 years Debbie, daughter Pamela Stout (Perry), son Eddie Ward (Amber), daughter Stephanie Ward, stepchildren, Samantha Lipford (Blaine) and Matthew Fredrick (Jessica), brothers Hubert Ward, James Ward (Linda), Tommy Ward, and Richard Ward (Kat), sisters Sandra Ward, Caroline Ward, and Tina Ward. 13 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Arthur’s family will be receiving friends on Saturday 21 st of March 2026 from 1pm to 3pm, then a funeral service at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home to be followed by a graveside internment in the family cemetery in Sugar Grove. Pallbearers will be Richard Ward, Eddie Ward, William Greene, Matthew Frederick, Abel Frederick, Laythan McClure, Tim Miller and Perry Stout. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim Ward, Brian Presnell, Hunter Shook, Griffin Brown, and Tommy Ward.

Special thanks to Dr. Vaidya, Dr. Seegars, Dr. Satterfield-Mercer, Dr. Harrison, and the ICU care team at Winston Baptist Hospital for their extraordinary service to Arthur and the family during this most difficult time.

In lieu of flowers friends may help with the final expenses.

Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarensfuneralhome.com.  Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Ward family.

Online condolences and memories for the Ward family may be sent through our website at www.huxlipfordfh.com

At the request of his family services announcements are being provided by Hux & Lipford Funeral Home 300 West Main Street, Mountain City, TN 37683.