Raymond “Ray” Ward, 78, of Nederland went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at Christus St. Elizabeth in Beaumont.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, June 6th at First Baptist Church of Nederland with Dr. David Higgs officiating under the directions of Broussard’s in Nederland. Interment will follow in Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches. Gathering of family and friends will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, June 5th at the church.
Raymond was a native of Slagle, Louisiana and lived in Nederland since 1968. Ray was a member of First Baptist Church in Nederland and was a Deacon for over 40 years. He was also a Sunday school teacher for many years and was involved in the Men’s Ministry. Ray loved visiting, praying for the sick and giving roses to widows. Ray retired from DuPont in Beaumont where he was a supervisor in the lab. Ray was preceded in death by his mother, Bessie Updegraff and stepfather, Bill; and Granny Smith.
Ray is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Ward of Nederland; sons, Stephen Ward and wife Debbie of Houston, Rodger Ward and wife Darlyne of Bay City; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; sister, Elizabeth Peacock and husband Gary; brothers, Allen Updegraff and Dewey Updegraff; many nieces, nephews and a host of many friends. In-lieu-of flowers the family request donations be made to First Baptist Church of Nederland 1911 Nederland Ave. Nederland, TX 77627
