James Dwight "Cotton" Ward

James Dwight "Cotton" Ward, lifelong resident of the Gravestown Community and a man active for many years in the business, religious, community and political affairs of Benton and Tippah Counties, passed away peacefully in the comfort of family members at the Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. He was 72 years of age and died following a brief illness.
  Services honoring the Christian life of Mr. Ward will be at 11 AM Monday June 12 in The Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home with his minister and friend, Minister King McCarver officiating. Burial will follow in the Beech Hill Church of Christ Cemetery. Arrangements will be provided by The Ripley Funeral Home where visitation will continue Monday until service time.
  Born March 7, 1945 in Tippah County , the son of the late James Brooks and Pauline Simpson Ward. A graduate of Ashland High School , Mr. Ward was a dedicated member of the Beech Hill Church of Christ where he served as a song leader for many years. He was the devoted husband of Charlotte Dawson Ward, who survives.
  Many people in the Tippah and Benton County areas will remember Mr. Ward's love for sawmilling and he found much pleasure in owning and operating the J.B. Ward & Sons Sawmill for many years. He also served his community as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service and for twelve years as a Benton County Judge.
  Affectionately known as "Cotton", he was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather who adored his family and friends. Cotton loved life and lived it to the fullest. He will be greatly missed.
  Those also left to honor his memory are his daughters, Emily Ward Hayes (Chris) of Hendersonville, TN and Rachel Ward of Southaven, a sister, Paulette Clark (Gerald) of Florence, AL, a grandson, Maddox Hayes and a soon to be expected granddaughter, Anzley.
  Those honored to serve as active pallbearers will be Drew Entrekin, Darrell Morrison, Brian Ward, Leonard Umberger, Tony Farese and Clay Crawford. Honorary pallbearers will be James Draper, Wayne McGill, Gerald Clark, Harold Entrekin, Mark Ormon, Larry Simpson, Mitch, Greg, Steve, David, Don, Josh and Harry Ward.
  The family request that memorials be directed to Sanctuary Hospice House, 5159 W. Main St., Tupelo, MS 38801.

The Ripley Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ward family and invites you to sign the guestbook and share memories.