Donald Ward, 73 of Greenville departed this life on October 21, 2024. His Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Greenville High School Auditorium 3515 Lions Lair Rd Greenville, Texas 75402.
Public Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Love & Integrity Funeral Cremation Service at 4900 King Street Greenville, Texas 75401.
Donald Wayne Ward was born on March 7, 1951, to Alva “Trig” and Clarece Porter Ward in Greenville, Texas. He attended public school in Hunt County, including St. Paul of Neylandville, TX, Carver, and Greenville High Schools, graduating in 1969. After graduation, he worked several jobs. In 1977, he made history by becoming the first black Sheriff Deputy in Hunt County. While working for the County, he met and married his soul mate, Toni. The two shared 47 years. In 1981, he left the Sheriff’s Department and began working for Greenville ISD. He served as a mechanic and bus driver, retiring in January 2012. In February of 2012, he returned to GISD as a “substitute” bus driver until his transition.
Donald was a man of God and used his God-given musical talents at many churches in Greenville, Hunt County, and the surrounding area. There was never a need to sing acapella because he would step in, although it may have sometimes taken him a minute to find your key. Nonetheless, he was a willing, ready, and able body when it came to helping you in your quest to praise God! In 1990, he moved his church affiliation to Clark Street Christian Church where he remained the director of music. During his tenure, he brought up two nephews, David and Spencer II, to carry on leading the music ministry. In addition to his church ministry, he played for several Gospel Groups and began The Blues Doctors band with his brother James, son Darrien, and a few close friends.
He leaves to cherish his memories: wife of 42 years, Toni; two sons, Walter Hodges (Deborah) and Darrien (Samantha); two daughters, Kaylene (Brad) and Teri; two brothers, Byron Price and James; two sisters, Oggie James and Rosslyn; nine grandchildren, Dakyron, Breonna, Haleigh, Kaden, Katelynn, Christian, Chelsea, Kyle, and Keagan; two great-grandsons, Maison and Braylon; one uncle, Dennis Ward; one aunt, Sarah Washington; and a whole bunch of nephews, nieces, cousins, and a world full of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Kylee.
Please keep his family in your prayers
