February 6, 1947 – May 3, 2026
Freddie Ray Ward, age 79, received his deepest heart’s desire on May 3, 2026, when he joined his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven after valiantly battling colorectal cancer for two and a half years.
Freddie was born on February 6, 1947, to Clifton Ward and Mable L. Love. He excelled both academically and athletically, playing on the 1965 State AAA Champion Central High Gophers basketball team. He later attended Texas College on both an athletic and academic scholarship.
Freddie was an avid reader, a gifted visual artist, and an exceptional cook. Though humble and often unheralded, he was a no-nonsense man of strong tenacity and high standards. He devoted his passions and energy to what brought him the greatest joy—his three daughters.
His daughters, Ulisa, RoShunda, and Renita, were born during his first marriage to Patsy Johnson Ward Hoover. Above all else, Freddie was a devoted protector and provider for his family. He retired after dedicated service to Tidewater Inc. and Martco Plywood.
In his retirement, Freddie found joy in watching movies, imparting Biblical principles and wisdom into his grandchildren, and playfully teasing his daughters—especially about the New Orleans Saints’ losses.
Freddie leaves to cherish his memory his three daughters, Ulisa Ward Hookfin (Richard) of Addis, LA, RoShunda Ward Sanford (Lawrence) of Baton Rouge, LA, and Renita Ward Williams (John) of Baker, LA; his sister, Helen Obioha; six grandchildren, Dimitri Walker, Christian Walker, Teri Ward, Alysha Lewis, Adaya Williams, and Kristen Williams; three great-grandchildren, Camille Taylor, Emmy Ward, and Zamir Robinson; his nephews, Timothy Love and Patricke Ward; his niece, Paula Shields; along with a host of great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Mable Ward; his wife, Joyce Ward, and his sister, Rose Ward.
Freddie through his daughters express their heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care provided by Dr. Farqan Akhtar, the staff of NRMC Cancer Center, Old Jefferson Community Care of Baton Rouge, and Notre Dame Hospice of Baton Rouge.
A memorial service honoring Freddie Ray Ward will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pentecost Baptist Church, 9425 LA-1, Natchez, LA 71456.