Ward, Frank

Frank Ward, 67, died Monday, April 4, 2011 at Morrison Manor. Born September 21, 1943 in Columbus County, the son of the late William and Agnes Ward. Following graduation from Maxton High School in 1963 he entered the workforce. He began his career in sales with Electrical Equipment Company, later advancing to sales manager, assistant plant manager, and then plant manager. During his 13 years as plant manager he was responsible for a million dollar expansion and employing over 40 employees. He retired in 2006 after 42 years of service. Frank was a dedicated member of the Laurinburg Rotary Club and was responsible for implementing the Dictionary Project which provides free dictionaries to all third graders in Scotland County. He served on the Rotary Board of Directors, as Secretary, and was the current President-Elect. He lived by the Rotary Four-Way Test of the things we think, say, and do: First – Is it the truth; second – Is it fair to all concerned; third – Will it build goodwill and better friendships; and fourth – Will it be beneficial to all concerned. Frank considered being a Rotarian an honor and privilege. He was a recent recipient of Rotary‘s highest honor: the Paul Harris Fellow. Frank is survived by his wife, Tink; sons, Phillip Michael Ward and wife, Emily and David Patrick Ward and wife, Maura of Charlotte; brother, Robert Ward and wife, Evelyn of Maxton; sisters, Lillian Ward of Kings Mountain, Linda Jackson and husband Bill of Hickory, Judy Strickland and husband, Greg of Herndon, VA; step-father, William Benton of Maxton; brothers-in law, Norman Michael Odom and wife, Linda ,Phillip James Odom and wife, Phyllis of Laurinburg; several nieces and nephews, a core group of special, longtime friends, and his beloved poodle, Tarheel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m.Thursday at St. Mary Catholic Church by the Reverend JaVon Saxon, Celebrant. Visitation/Reception will be following the service in the church fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Scotland County, PO Box 1033, Laurinburg, NC 28353 or Boys and Girls Home of NC, PO Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450. The family expresses their sincere gratitude to Dr. Brad Bethel, Dr. John Neal, and the Hospice staff for the palliative care provided to “Mr. Frank” as he was affectionately called.