Ricky Lee Ward age 73, of Boone passed away Sunday, January 1, 2023, at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.

He was born May 22, 1949, in Watauga County. A son of the late Wilbern and Thelma Presnell Ward.  Ricky Ward graduated from Appalachian State University in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration making the Dean's List each year of attendance. After graduation Ricky worked for the Internal Revenue Service in Texas & later for The Business Enterprise Program in Statesville NC. Ricky returned & settled in Boone NC to pursue his love of writing. He loved poetry & history especially the history of Watauga County. Ricky spent many hours composing his poems, many of which were published. He also had a deep love for Watauga County and loved interviewing the old timers & recording the precious memories & genealogy of the area.

He is survived by four brothers, Gary D. Ward and wife Charlotte of Fletcher, Wilbern Ward and wife Betty of Johnson City, Tennessee, Richard Ward and wife Joyce of Gastonia and Wayne Ward and wife Kristi of Hickory: and one sister, Regina Mettam and husband Charles of Boone,

In addition to his father and mother he was preceded in death by three brothers, Tony, John and Larry Ward, his maternal grandparents, John and Cora Presnell and his paternal grandparents, James and Elizabeth Ward.

A private family service will be held at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to, Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Ave NW, Lenoir, North Carolina, 28645 or to The American Heart Association, at www.heart.org

Online condolences may be sent to the Ward family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.