Steve Ward, age 65, of Vilas went home to be with the Lord, Saturday morning, December 24, 2022, at his home.

Steve was born April 11, 1957, in Davidson County, a son of the late Gilbert Asbury and Reda Mae Ward. He was the owner and operator of Appalachian Appliance and Furnace Parts for over 25 years. He was a member of Vanderpool Baptist Church where he was a Deacon, song leader, and a former Sunday School teacher. He enjoyed working and being outside and spending time with his family, especially the little ones. First and for most he loved serving his Lord and Savior.

He is survived by his brother, Larry Ward and wife Brenda of Lexington, two sisters, Sherry Brown and husband Johnny of Vilas and Kathy Townsend of Mountain City, three nephews, Thomas Brown and wife Anna, Larche Ward and friend Ariel and Shawn Ward and wife Nicole, and three nieces, Tabatha Townsend, Angie Townsend and Alisha Ward. He is also survived by a number of other aunts, uncle, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father and mother he was preceded in death by a one niece Reda Gail Brown Garrison and one brother-in-law, Steve Townsend.

Funeral service will be conducted Thursday, December 29, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Vanderpool Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Vanderpool Baptist Church Cemetery. Pastor Thomas Brown and Pastor Andy Watson will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Vanderpool Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 131 Burl Brown Rd, Vilas, NC 28692.

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

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