James Nathan "Bear" Ward age 64 of Fries, Virginia passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at his home.

Bear was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on September 14, 1948 to Rev. James and Evelyn Wagoner Ward.

He is survived by his wife Dawn Ward of Fries, Virginia; daughters and sons-in-law Wendy and Brian Peebles of Dana, Indiana; Cindy Ward Carico of Bland, Virginia; Lisa and Nay Slade of Reidsville, North Carolina; Missy and James Bryant of Winchester, Kentucky; Beth Ward and fiance' Lee Blankenship of Fries, Virginia; sons Vinton Ward of Ivanhoe, Virginia; J.D. Murdock of Jamestown, Indiana; sisters and brothers-in-law Brenda Denson of Eden, North Carolina; Barbara and Wade Lawson of Shallotte, North Carolina; Rita Blevins of State Road, North Carolina; Teresa and Richard Goodman of Dobson, North Carolina; Martha and Homer Norman of Fries, Virginia; Donna Ward of Wytheville, Virginia; brothers and sisters-in-law Mark and Lanor Ward of Poplar Camp, Virginia; Dan and Sally Ward of Brush Creek, Virginia; thirteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 2:00 PM in the Cold Springs United Methodist Church with Rev. Tim Smith; Rev. Andy Edmonds and Rev. Matt Linkous officiating. Burial will follow in the Cold Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from twelve noon until time for the funeral service at Cold Springs United Methodist Church.