William Dale Ward, 04/22/1947 Elizabethton, TN, left for his eternal home on 04/26/2023 after a short, intense illness.

Dale was born in Detroit, Michigan; spent most of his life in East Tennessee. Graduated from Surgoinsville High School, 1965. He enlisted in the Marine Corps before graduation, leaving for boot camp that summer. Dale prepared to be a Marine since age seven. He served in Vietnam as Crew Chief, as part of The Flying Tigers.

Dale was active in developing a youth ministry program at The Apostolic Lighthouse, Kingsport, where he and his family served the church for many years. He later taught Sunday School and was Associate Pastor at churches throughout the Tri-Cities. Dale was steadfast in his devotion to Christ, as a disciple studying and sharing the Gospel. Dale was loved and admired by many friends and family.

Dale is preceded in death by parents, William C. Ward and Clora Caldwell Ward, son, Shane Ward, wife, Jewel (Branch) Ward. He is survived by son, Shannon Ward, sister, Charlene (Susie) Ward-Behler (Steve), granddaughter, Emily Fritts (Melanie Montogomery/Kevin Loos), numerous cousins, nephews (great), nieces (great). Also, childhood friends, loving friends and neighbors.

As a true Marine, Dale fought until the end, Semper Fi. As a devout Christian, Dale shared his testimony for Christ until his last day.

Graveside Service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Monday, May 22, 2023 with Wayne Harless, offciating at the Mountain Home National Cemetery. There will be a reception to follow the service. Family and Friends are to be at the cemetery at 2:50 p.m. prior to the start of the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Surgoinsville Area Archives Museum, 120 Old Stage Rd, Surgoinsville TN 37873 or The Salvation Army, 204 W.Walnut, Johnson City Tn 37604 Attn: Melanie Montgomery. Thanks to the Staff at the VA Medical Center.