Bobby "Gene" Ward

Bobby Gene Ward, 78, of Oak Hill, West Virginia, passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, on September 25, 2026.

Lovingly known as Papaw Gene, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He married the love of his life, Mary Ann Carver, on October 14, 1967, in Winchester, Virginia. Together, they shared nearly 59 years of marriage.

Gene was an avid businessman and entrepreneur who owned and operated many businesses throughout his life. He took great pride in his work and was always happiest when he was building, creating, and working with his hands. He loved building furniture, working in his yard, gardening, and spending time with his family. He also had a special love for Elvis Presley.

His faith was an important part of his life. He was a former member of Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Ward; his parents, Julian Ward and Margaret Ward; his brothers, Julian “Jabo” Ward, Kenneth “Yogi” Ward, Dale Ward, and Ricky Ward; and his son-in-law, Mike Scarbrough.

He is survived by his children, Cindy Scarbrough, Sissy Ward, Michael Ward (Denise), and Sherry Coleman (David Smith); his siblings, Lana Coleman, Jimmy Ward, Kathy Hayes, Patty Posey, and Jesse Ward; and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to his nephew, Adam Hayes, for being such a great friend and for always being willing to lend a helping hand. His kindness, support, and friendship meant so much to Papaw Gene and the entire family.

He leaves behind his grandchildren, Brian (Charlene Livdur), Tara (Stevie Foster), Tiffany (Jacob Van Meter), Lisa Spangler, Carlie (Fred Seeley), Hannah (Dakota Jones), Samantha (Billy Pierce), Haley Coleman, Trask Caldwell, Kristen (Adam Derringer), and Traci (Michael Canaday).

His great-grandchildren include Kween, Keeng, Brianna, Shania, Brian Jr., Faith, Amira, Bella, Kyleigh, Stevie, Taylee, Navee, Joviee, Desean, Scott, N’Zyah, De’Kyra, Jaxon, Josie, Jenson, Bentley, Parker, Jackson, Kashton, Aubriella, Marsalie, Addy, Avery, and Easton, along with his great-great-grandchildren, Paisley, Brinley, and Azara.

Gene’s greatest accomplishment and proudest legacy was the family he built and loved. His hardworking spirit, creativity, love of music, and the memories he created will live on through the generations.

He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. Though he is gone, the love he shared with Mary Ann and the family they built together will continue to live on through every generation.

Services will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, October 1, 2026, at High Lawn Funeral Home with Bishop Sam R. Calloway officiating. Interment will follow in High Lawn Memorial Park.

Friends may visit with the family 1 hour prior to the service.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever Papaw Gene.

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