of Conway, AR
September 8, 1941 - January 14, 2022
SAM JERRY WARD, 80, passed away peacefully, Friday, January 14, after suffering a stroke earlier in the week. He was born in Conway, AR on September 8, 1941.
He was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Vida Ward; and sister, Janelle Lisenby.
He is survived by his daughters, Debbie (Mark) Ellis of Bryant, AR, Jessica (Thomas) Milstead of Bismarck, AR; stepdaughter, Amber (John) Spencer of Springdale, AR; grandchildren, Peyton Ellis, Brooks Ellis, Will Ward, Cy Spencer, Winnie Spencer, and Tyler Milstead; ex wife Rosemary Ward; and former wife and friend, Denva Ward.
Jerry began his career in the grocery business as a stock boy for Kroger in Conway, AR. He worked his way up to Assistant Store Manager and then Store Manager. He managed stores in Russellville, Texarkana, and Little Rock, including the Rodney Parham Store and the R Street location. After leaving Kroger, he was a grocery merchandiser for Affiliated Foods and SuperValu. He retired as the Executive Vice President/COO of Mad Butcher Supermarkets in Pine Bluff, AR. He was living in Conway at the time of his death.
He dearly loved his grandchildren and was their biggest fan, rarely missing a game or performance that they were in. He was so proud of their achievements. Jerry loved watching NASCAR races and sporting events. He read the newspaper daily and watched the local and national news. He kept us all apprised of current events, and we will miss our daily updates from him.
A drop in visitation will start Monday afternoon at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. The family may not be present. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 18 at 11 a.m. at Crestlawn Memorial Park Pavilion, 472 US 64, Conway, AR. Please wear a mask if attending. Memorial donations may be made to Arkansas Hospice Ottenheimer Inpatient Center, 2 St. Vincent Circle, Little Rock, AR 72205.
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14 Condolence(s)
Judith Wimberly
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Jerry was a CHS classmate. I remember him as being quiet but always friendly and am so sad to lose him. We have lost many in the class of ‘59 so I know he got a warm welcome and is walking the golden streets with them.
Judith W.
Johannah Cox
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Jessica, I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr.Jerry was always so sweet. We always enjoyed getting to see him and visit.
Betty Goodson
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Jerry and his family lived behind us in Conway when we were all in grade school. We also ended up in the same business (grocery). So sorry to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences to the family.
Hunter Merritt
Monday, January 17, 2022
Hey Mr Jerry I know you passed and I'm really sad about it. I just need to say this I know your looking down on me from heaven but down in my heart I love you so so much. I miss you.
Jennifer Merritt
Monday, January 17, 2022
We were so so blessed to live next to Jerry for close to a decade. He was an awesome neighbor, kept an eye out for trouble, enjoyed watching my kids grow, supported many a school fundraiser and girl scout cookie round, and always had a tool when I needed one. He was a dream of a neighbor! The most outstanding thing about him, as a neighbor, was that he formed a friendship with my son. Hunter didn't have any male role models in his life and Jerry became a surrogate grandpa to him.
Despite the 67 year age gap between them, he was Hunters best friend and biggest fan. He cheered and clapped when Hunter first learned to ride his bike, in fact when Hunter got a bike for Christmas one year Jerry put it together with him. He went to his sporting events and encouraged him to keep practicing and playing. Daily snacks and chats between them. When something good happened in Hunters life he wanted to run next door to tell Mr Jerry about it. I know he will carry Mr Jerry in his heart for life and I hope that as he grows in to a man, he will remember the kindness and generosity that was shown to him and grow up to be the kind of man Jerry showed us. He was a very dear soul to us and we will miss him.
David Peters
Monday, January 17, 2022
So sorry for your loss. I dealt with Jerry at Affiliated Foods, Super Valu, and Mad Butcher. He was a great guy to work with.
Derek and Sharon Harmon
Monday, January 17, 2022
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jerry. Our families have been friends for a very long time and he was such a nice person.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Marty
Monday, January 17, 2022
Debbie. So sorry for the loss of your Dad. We are praying for you and your family.
The Baldwins
Terry Knight
Sunday, January 16, 2022
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are for you and your family.
David and Renee Bond
Sunday, January 16, 2022
So sorry to hear this Debbie. Praying for you and your family. Love you.
Jessica Milstead
Sunday, January 16, 2022
We will miss you so much Daddy!! Nothing will be the same anymore but we will make it. Love you
LaDonna Lowe
Sunday, January 16, 2022
Jessica we are praying for you and your family. If you need anything let me know
Susan Hartstein
Sunday, January 16, 2022
Dear Debbie,
I'm thinking of you during this time. I am sorry for your loss. I hope you will be filled with God's peace that surpasses all understanding. Big hug!
Susan
Elmer Thomas
Sunday, January 16, 2022
Sorry to hear this. I used too work with Jerry and he was a good person and a friend of mine........