Paul Craven Ward

Paul Craven Ward, 97, of Siler City, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, at home surrounded by family.

Paul was born July 23rd, 1927, in Chatham County to the late Hardy and Laura Yow Ward. He is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Bobbie Jean Fields Ward, mother of his children; his brothers, Gordon Ward, Hayden Ward, and Blaine Ward; and his sisters, Louise W. Bowden, Maxine W. Brady, Rachel W. Parks, and Grace Ward.

Paul was an Army veteran. He was the owner and operator of Paul Ward Tile Company for 50 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he was in the Men’s Sunday School class and served on the finance committee. He loved working and watching baseball. He was an avid Duke fan. He enjoyed coaching little league baseball as well. Paul loved water skiing and getting new cars. You could find him enjoying his pool on hot summer days.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 36 years, Brenda Brady Ward; his daughters, Jan Ward Cheek and her husband, Ronald, and Sandra Ward Coletta and her husband, Ugo; his stepsons, Brad Gaines and his wife, Cheryl, and Chad Gaines and his fiancé, Karen; his four grandchildren, Jason Cheek and his wife, Carrie, Lauren Cheek Brewer and her husband, Daniel, Nathan Coletta and his wife, April, and Michael Coletta and his wife, Kaitlin; and his twelve great grandchildren, Sarah Cheek and her husband, Jordan, Rebekah Cheek, Rachel Cheek, Hannah Cheek, Elizabeth Cheek, Camden Brewer, Hudson Brewer, Andrew Coletta, Luke Coletta, Breleigh Coletta, Anna Coletta, and Claire Coletta.

The family would like to thank Liberty Health and Hospice for the care they gave to our loved one in his final days. All of the nurses, etc. were very skilled, caring, and helpful to our loved one in his final days. 

Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 4th, 2025, at 3 pm, at First Baptist Church. Visitation will be held 30 minutes prior to the service at the church. Services will be officiated by Reverend Brad Gaines and Dr. Allen Admire. Randolph Honor Guard will be assisting with the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church Capitol Fund or Budget Fund, 314 N. 2nd Ave. Siler City, NC 27344.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Ward family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com