William Kyle “Bill” Ward, Jr., 82, of Beaver went home to the loving arms of the Lord on Sept. 11, 2025.
Born on Feb. 18, 1943, in Christiansburg, Virginia, he was the son of the late William K. Ward, Sr. and Lillian Elleen Elliot Ward.
Mr. Ward grew up in Glen Morgan and attended Shady Spring High School and Beckley College.
He started his career by building homes for his father at Ward Construction. From there he ventured out on his own creating William K. Ward, Jr. Construction. His love and talent for woodworking led him to open his own furniture store for a number of years.
Always one to follow his dreams, his passion for golf led him to become a professional golfer for a time, competing on the Hogan tour, and ultimately to create Golf Design, Inc., working alongside his son, Chris, where he designed and built eight golf courses, one being included in the Guiness Book of World Records for the longest hole in the United States.
He was also an avid hunter, spending countless hours in the woods with his son and grandsons.
His loving wife, Lafonda Ward, survives.
Also left to cherish his memory are a brother, Carl Ward of Mt. Airy, North Carolina; a daughter, Robin Stewart (Robbie) of Beaver; a son, Christopher Ward (Kim) of Beaver; grandchildren, Megan Hoskins (John), Jason “Andy” Stewart (Stephanie), Christian Ward (Maddy) and Hannah Ward; great-grandchildren, Lilian (Lily) Stewart, Parker Rice, Jason Stewart, Jr., Alyvia Rice and Allie Stewart; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by sisters, Karen E. Wheeler and Brenda J. Murrell.
The family would like to thank special friends and family, Jay and Barbie Smithers, Cody and Carrie Darby, Seth and Krystal Smithers, Donnie Ward and Nicholas Ward, for their love and support during this difficult time.
Funeral services were held Wednesday at Tilden Community Church with Pastor Jack Barber officiating. Burial followed at Tilden Community Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jason “Andy” Stewart, Christian Ward, Seth Smithers, Cody Darby, Todd Franklin and Nicholas Ward. Honorary pallbearers were Parker Rice, Jason Stewart, Jr. and John Hoskins.
Arrangements were by Calfee Funeral Home in Beckley.
