Donald Cleveland Ward

Donald C. Ward, 64, of Taylors, SC went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 12, 2016. He is survived by his wife Katie Poppell Ward, his son Don J. Ward, daughter-in-law Roshena, and their children, Brooklynn, Beckham, Cohen, and Keegan , and daughter Heidi Egerdahl, son-in-law Dan, and their children, Colby, Maddux, and Tessa. He is survived by his brother Tim Ward, his wife Vonda,
and his sister Cindy Wood and her husband Kent and their families. Nothing brought him more happiness than being a dad to his children and a Papa to his grandchildren. He was a loving and devoted dad and Papa like no other.

He was born in Steinhatchee, Florida, September 19, 1952, to Donald and Magdalene Ward. He came to know Christ as his Savior during his high school years and followed God's leading into full time Christian service. Don married his high school sweetheart Katie and was a loving and devoted husband for 42 years.

He graduated from Dixie County High and attended Bob Jones University receiving his Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Physical Education. He only had his dissertation remaining for a Doctorate in Education.

After graduating from college, he taught and coached at Dade Christian School in Hialeah, Florida, Marquette Manor Baptist Academy in Downers Grove, Illinois, Stone Mountain Christian School in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and Bob Jones University & Academy in Greenville, South Carolina. He coached baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and track. Throughout his career he taught students of all ages from K5 through college. At the time of his passing, he was the Athletic Director, high school Physical Education teacher, and Varsity Basketball Coach at Bob Jones Academy. He was a coach to many, a role model to all, and had one of the biggest and happiest hearts. His heart’s desire was for all his players to love and serve God.

For many years he officiated basketball and soccer in the South Carolina High School League.

He was an active member of Heritage Bible Church in Greer, South Carolina. He enjoyed his Sunday School class, Shepherding Group, and being a greeter at the Welcome Center. Throughout his adult life, he and his wife worked as children’s church leaders and served as nursery coordinators.

He was a faithful Atlanta Braves fan (even in the 1980’s), loved UNC basketball, and enjoyed collecting sports memorabilia. More than anything he loved God and his family.

Visitation and funeral will be held at Heritage Bible Church, 2005 Old Spartanburg Rd, Greer, SC 29650. The family will recieve friends Tuesday, November 15, from 6-7:30 pm. The funeral will be Wednesday, November 16 at 2:00 pm with a burial immediately follwing at Woodlawn Memorial Park.