Obituaries

Thomas Newton Ward was born in Maryville, TN on January 23, 1950, and passed away on September 28, 2024, surrounded by his family, but for seventy-four years, he lived an incredibly meaningful life. Tom had three loves: the Lord, his family, and his church. Tom surrendered his heart to the Lord early in life and wanted nothing more than to live according to God’s will and His Word. His greatest joy in this life was his family. Tom married Virginia Powell in 1969 and loved her dearly for almost 55 years. They had four children: Craig (Anne) Ward, Gregory Ward, Stacey (David) Deitz, and Wendy (D.J.) Todd; six grandchildren: Hannah (Aaron) Brooks, Julianna (Austin) Weyrich, Hunter Deitz, Micah (Sydney) Ward, Noah Ward, and Elijah Atkins; and two great grandchildren: Thomas and Joyce Anne Brooks. Tom is also survived by his loving mother and three siblings: Connie Akins, Bobby (Shirley) Ward, Patsy (Jimmy) Golden, and Cindy Cable. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Newton Ward, and an infant son, Gregory Ward. Tom was a member of Dotson Memorial Baptist Church and served faithfully as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for close to forty years. He was beloved by many pastors and members over the years. He also retired from Airport Toyota after forty years. Anyone who knew Tom loved him and spoke often of his kindness and generosity. He will be greatly missed, but his family and friends can rejoice in knowing that he is home with his Heavenly Father.