Ronald Ward

Bishopville

Ronald Ward, 81, passed away on May 15, 2023, at his home in Bishopville after a long illness that he fought with great dignity, with his loving wife, Sidney, by his side.

Ron was born in Williamson, West Virginia, to Golda Butler Burchett and Claude H. Ward.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles L. Ward.

Ron graduated from Brooklyn Park High School and attended Morehead State College in Kentucky.

He is survived by his wife, Sidney; his son and best friend Brian Ward (Lisa); his beloved daughter, Ann Nilsen (Steve); and his two special grandchildren, Jordan and Lukas Nilsen, whom he was so proud of.

He grew up working in the roofing business in Baltimore alongside his cherished stepfather, Charles E. Butler, the founder of M.D. Home Improvement Assn. (MICA) in 1961. Ron was honored to be a part of this association from the beginning.

Ron opened Ward Roofing Company in Ocean City in the late 1970s. Being self-employed most of his life, he often joked about having hundreds of bosses.

He was recognized recently for 50 years with the Masonic Grand Lodge of Maryland (Corinthian Lodge 93), the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, and the Boumi Shriners. The latter supports the Shriners Hospital for Children. He was also one of the founders of the Ocean City Shrine Club.

Ron was a fun-loving guy who loved sharing his life stories. He will always be remembered as a kind and generous man. He will be greatly missed.

His interment will be private at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church Cemetery in Reisterstown, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Coastal Hospice at Coastalhospice.org or P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811. To send condolences to the family, please visit easternshorecremation.com.