Larry Donnell Ward

Larry Donnell Ward was born on January 16, 1952, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to Roosevelt Ward and the late Flora Mae Sanford. He peacefully transitioned to eternity on June 15, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Larry grew up in Forrest City, Arkansas. He accepted Christ early and attended New Light Missionary Baptist Church until adulthood. 

A proud Forrest City High School graduate, Class of 1970, Larry furthered his education at Arkansas State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education and Social Science. 

Larry enjoyed a fulfilling career path, serving as a Store Manager at Sears and Firestone Automotive, and later contributing his expertise to Walmart Automotive and Mercedes Benz of Plano until his retirement in May 2017.

Larry married the love of his life, Loretta Walton, on May 25, 1985. They remained united in holy matrimony until his transition.  

Affectionately known as "Blood" among his brothers in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Larry was a devoted member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He served as president of his undergraduate chapter and continued serving throughout the years. He was also a faithful member of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, actively participating in the Male Chorus, Marriage Ministry, and Men's Sunday School class. His community involvement extended to roles as a Census Taker and Texas Poll Worker.

Larry's life was marked by significant achievements, including being named in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges and receiving accolades for outstanding leadership as Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Alpha Zeta Chapter at Arkansas State University from 1973 - 1974. 

A servant-leader with varied interests, Larry delighted in spending time with his family, history, gardening, watching westerns, entertaining, and traveling. He will be fondly remembered for his kind, energetic, ambitious, and compassionate nature. His loving spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Larry was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Margie Ann Cross; grandmother, Nina Mae Williams; grandfather, Herman Williams, Sr.; mother, Flora Mae Sanford; aunt, Ellen Fenney; sister, Yvette Murphy; uncle, Charles Murry; great-uncles - Elmer Cross, Jessie Cross, Emmette Cross, Dr. Edward Cross, and Rev. John Cross; mothers-in-law, Emma Lee Clark and Essie Mae Walton; aunt-in-law, Norma Jean Young; and sister-in-law, Carol Sue Taylor.

Those left to cherish lasting memories include his wife, Loretta (Walton) Ward; daughter, Courtney Nordessa Ward Thompkins (Arthur); son, Corey Darnell Ward; father, Roosevelt Ward; granddaughters, Ava Je'Nor Ward Thompkins and Cayla Clark Thompkins; brothers, Anthony Sanford and Reginald Sanford (Linda); sisters - Renae Flowers (Terry), Cassandra McCoy (Michael), and Yonquanett Little (LeAndre); aunts - Margie Rean West, Terry Sanford, and Cassandra Sanford; uncles - Herman Williams, Jr. (Sheila), Leon Sanford, and Glen Sanford; brothers-in-law - George Walton (Diann), Darrell Walton (Kathy), and Franklin Taylor; sister-in-law, Dorothy Walton Williams; beloved goddaughter, Jarielle Benae Nabors; the Winfrey family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, Omega Brothers, and special friends.

In Larry's honor, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arkansas State Alumni Association by clicking the link below.