Kim was a 1954 graduate of Monticello High School and attended Arkansas A&M College (UAM). He started his career working with his dad, ''Chick'' & Uncle Bill Ward at Dura Craft Boats, later becoming the Owner and President. He then began working with his sons at War Eagle Boats for 30 years until he retired in 2020. Kim was inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation Outdoor Hall of Fame. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he was baptized in 1944. He also served on the Commercial Bank Board of Directors for 47 years, Drew Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and was a United States Army National Guard Reserve honorably discharged in 1964.
Kim was an avid golfer. He was a past recipient of MHS State Class A Golf Championship with partner, Joe Brown and later winning the Monticello Country Club Championship. He was also an avid reader and loved to swim; regularly competing in the Little Rock Masters Swim Club but his greatest swim meets were against his grandchildren, Tucker and Amelia, surprisingly, never winning one of those meets. Kim was passionate about his family, the boating industry, hunting and fishing, and anything that involved his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Opal Tucker Ward; and his brother, Billy Ward.
Survivors include his three sons, John Ward and wife Virginia of Monticello, Roger Ward of Drasco, and Mike Ward and wife Amy of Monticello; along with his beloved grandchildren, Tucker Ward and wife Sidney of Monticello and Amelia Ward of Monticello.
Funeral services will be 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Kelly Jones officiating. There will be a visitation one hour preceding the funeral service from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A private family burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Serving as honorary pallbearers are the Commercial Bank Board of Directors and the War Eagle Boat Company employees. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Judes Children's Hospital or First Baptist Church.
The family would like to issue a very special ''thank you'' to Sarah, Anna, Hannah, Savannah, Vivianna, Kimberly & Alyssa for their years of dedication to making his life comfortable, and to the wonderful care of Hospice and Dr. Tim Simon. We could never thank you enough for the wonderful care you gave Kim.
Condolences(8)
Jerry Williams
Conway, AR Monday, September 28, 2026 I had the pleasure of knowing & working with Kim for a short time. I found him to be very personable & trustworthy. Kim will be missed by many!Janice Wiggam
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE, AR Tuesday, September 22, 2026 I loved your entire Ward family and Kim was a wonderful man who leaves a great legacy for you all. May God surround you with his peace and give you comfort in this sad time. Cherish all the memories of your great dad, mom, grandparents and all. With love & sympathy,Peter and Suzi Peerbolte
Little Rock, AR Monday, September 21, 2026 Kim was one of a kind - we always enjoyed spending time with him and Opal. They are together again. Sending hugs and love to the whole family.Barry Davis
Monticello, AR Monday, September 21, 2026 Monticello lost another legend and staple of our community. Mr Kim was a great man and has been the leader of a great family! RIP ChampVicky Colvert & Barry Haisty
Monticello, AR Monday, September 21, 2026 Dear John & Virginia & entire Ward family, May our great God continue to wrap His loving arms around all of you during your season of grief & may you find comfort & strength in His Word ( Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 15:55) as we as Christians celebrate Mr. Kim’s life & legacy he left behind from which all can learn a valuable lesson which is as follows: Serve God instead of money b/c you can’t serve two masters as you will love one & hate the other according to Scripture. Amen & amen.Brian Rodgers
Monticello, AR Saturday, September 19, 2026 My prayers go out to the family. Great man and certainly earned his wings. Rest easy.Brian & Cindy Wallick
Little Rock, AR Friday, September 18, 2026 Thinking of you with deepest sympathy and keeping your entire family in our prayers. May you find comfort in the love and memories you shared.Kent Davis
Maumelle, AR Friday, September 18, 2026 He was a good man, I am sorry John, Roger, Michael Prayers