Bernell Thomas Ward

GRAVESIDE SERVICES: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 201711:00 A.M. PINE GROVE CEMETERY HOUSE COMMUNITYVISITATION: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 20176:00 - 8:00 P.M. OFFICIATING:REV. JOSHUA WARDMr. Ward, 87, of Ocean Springs, died Wednesday, February 1, 2017, at Ocean Springs Health and Rehab. He was a native of the House Community of Neshoba County, but lived most of his life in Meridian. He worked as a self employed house painter for over 50 years until his retirement. Mr. Ward played the mandolin for over 50 years and was a member of a local blue grass band for over 35 years. He was well known for wearing a Stetson cowboy hat, wherever he went. Survivors include his daughter, Kris Heath and her husband, Allen of Pisgah, AL; son, Kerry Ward and his wife, Sherry of Meridian; step-children, Nora Wallace, Sammy Miller, David Miller, Dennis Miller, Mark Miller and George Miller; three grandchildren, April Bothwell of Ashville, AL, Joshua Ward and his wife, Rachael of Gautier and Kristina McGowin and her husband, Brandon of Terrell, TX; seven great-grandchildren, Shaun Bothwell, Kaylee Bothwell, Cateraa Bothwell, Braydon McGowin, Rigdon Ward, Olivia McGowin and Lydia Ward; two sisters, Arrow Bowenn of Philadelphia and Dorothy Fain of Philadelphia; and a host of nieces and nephews. Mr. Ward was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Pearl Ward; daughter, Brenda Irene Ward; son, Tony Ward; great-granddaughter, Bella Ward; and 16 siblings.