Obituary of Marvin Stacy Ward

It is with great sorrow, and yet great joy, we announce the passing of Marvin Stacy Ward, Jr. into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the age of ninety-five. Born on June 22, 1922 in Concord, North Carolina, he was the only son of Marvin Stacy Ward, Sr. and Pauline Craver Ward. He graduated from Central High School in 1941, and proudly enlisted in the United States Navy in December, 1941, serving on an aircraft carrier in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters of World War II. Following his honorable discharge in October, 1945, he attended North Carolina State University and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1951. Marvin married "the girl up the street", Barbara Stitt Ward (Bobbie) on March 7, 1947. Back in Charlotte, he joined Crowder Construction Company as an engineer in February, 1952 where he was employed for thirty-three years and retired as Executive Vice President and Board of Directors in 1985. Following a short, early retirement while he built a family vacation home on Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, he was asked to serve as Executive Director of Carolinas Ready Mixed Concrete Association in August, 1985. His second, and final, retirement was in September, 1993. His many years in the construction industry brought him tremendous enjoyment, valuable long-term relationships, and numerous great memories. In addition to his employment experiences, he was active in numerous organizations and committees. He was a member of the North Carolina State Alumni Association, North Carolina State Wolfpack Club, Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Planning Commission, North Carolina Department of Transportation Contractor Joint Committee, the AGC Board of Directors, AGC Highway-Heavy Division Chairman, and served as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. Additionally Marvin served as a Deacon and Elder at Sharon Presbyterian Church. In addition to his parents, Marvin was predeceased by his wife of sixty-two years, Barbara Stitt Ward, and his youngest son, Richard Wesley Ward. Also predeceased are his four sisters and their spouses: Annice Fisher (husband Bob Fisher), Iris Marshall Hewett (husbands Jim Marshall and Kenneth Hewett), Betsy White (husband, Johnnie White), and Polly Williams (survived by husband Earl Williams). Survivors include his second wife, Pam B. Ward, son Marvin Stacy Ward, III (Buddy) and wife Debbie, daughter Sharon W. Hinson and husband Donnie. Four grandchildren remain to carry on his legacy: Hannah Alexandria Ward and Joshua Ryan Ward (children of Buddy and Debbie), and Harrison Chase Hinson and Hayley Paige Hinson (children of Donnie and Sharon), and great grandchild Emery (son of Hannah Ward). Marvin also has numerous nephews and nieces surviving, all of which he adored. Although he is sorely missed, we rejoice in knowing that, because of his faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, he has now entered into the holy presence of God. By His grace alone we are saved. The following poem written by Robert H. Smith held special meaning for Marvin: THE CLOCK OF LIFE The clock of life is wound but once, And no man has the power To tell just when the hands will stop At late or early hour. To lose one's wealth is sad indeed, To lose one's health is more, To lose one's soul is such a loss That no man can restore. The present only is our own, So live, love, toil with a will Place no faith in "Tomorrow" For the clock may then be still. A service of worship and remembrance will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary of Sharon Presbyterian Church, and conclude at the graveside in the church cemetery. There will be a reception in the Charles Little Activity Building of Sharon Presbyterian Church immediately following the internment. The family requests any memorial contributions be made to: Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region 7600 Little Avenue Charlotte, North Carolina 28226