Charles R. Ward, age 81, of Elkview, WV, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, surrounded by his family after a short illness. He was especially known for his love of family and friends, his exceptional work ethic, and wonderful sense of humor. He was a Teamster Member and owned a trucking company for many years with several trucks and employees operating multiple US Postal Service contracts originating from Charleston.
Charlie was born on November 4, 1944, in Clay County WV to the late Clarence E. Ward and Victoria Dawson Ward of Ivydale, WV. He lost the love of his life and best friend Bonnie Blankenship Ward after 47 years of marriage in 2012. Also preceding him in death are his sister Barbara Ward Cummings and her husband Fred of Charleston, and his brother James A. Ward of Ivydale, his nephews Timothy “T.J.” Jordan, Jr and his great nephew Zackary Cummings, both of Charleston.
Surviving this wonderful caring man are his two sons, Charles E. “Chuck” Ward of Elkview and James A. “Tony” Ward and wife Kimberly Elliott Ward of Elkview. Also surviving Charlie are his beloved granddaughter Haley Mae Ward and his cherished great grandson Jaxton James Taylor, both of Elkview. His only remaining sibling Myrna Ward Jordan of Charleston, his sister-in-law Barbara Eagle Ward (Jim’s wife), his sister-in-law Iona Blankenship Legg of Duck, WV, brothers-in-law Eddie Blankenship (Mary Anna) of Atwater, Ohio, and Alfred Blankenship (Sue) of Frametown, WV, his special friend Bonnie Summers along with many nieces and nephews who viewed Charlie as a bonus Dad.
Graveside services will be held on February 17, 2026, 1:00 PM, at the Ward Cemetery in Ivydale, WV. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to your favorite local charity in the Clay or Charleston area. We would like to extend our gratitude to Wilson Smith Funeral Home and the SICU team at CAMC Memorial for all they have done for our family during this extremely difficult time.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com
Wilson Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Ward family.