Joseph Melvin Ward of Prattsville, Arkansas was born January 25, 1937 in West Helena, Arkansas, the son of the late Gilbert Monroe and Helen James Ward. He was a member of Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church in Prattsville. He enjoyed camping and fishing.

Joe died Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock at the age of 78.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Gilbert Ward and a brother, William Ward.

Survivors: son, Joey and wife Natalie Ward of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; daughters, Monica and husband Jerry White of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Marilyn Ward of Pike City, Peggy and husband Ronnie Tillman of Prattsville; step-son, Bobby and wife Sheila Dougan of Conway; step-daughters, Deborah and husband Tim Cagle of Prattsville, Katherine and husband Trey Adams of Gulf Shores, Alabama; brothers, Franklin Ward of Kingsland, Robert and wife Terri Ward of Houston, Texas; sister, Mary Ward of Prattsville; 16 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, his faithful companion, Nellie and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

A Memorial service will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 26, 2015 at Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church in Prattsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church, Prattsville, Arkansas 72129.