Bradley Joe Ward was born to Dennis and Marsha Ward on July 23rd, 1975, in Jacksonville, AR. He passed away on August 25th, 2023, as a result of a collision with another motorist near his Jacksonville home. Brad was a cherished son and immensely loved by his family.
A 1993 graduate of Jacksonville High School, Brad’s journey through life was marked by a larger-than-life personality that he carried from his youth. His infectious smile became a constant companion, reflecting his genuine love for life and people. His affinity for the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, revealed a deep connection to nature.
Brad’s wit and intelligence, coupled with his infectious sense of humor, endeared him to friends and family alike. His presence brought laughter and joy to those fortunate enough to know him.
In his adult years, Brad had many detours along his journey, but in his final week of life on Sunday, the 20th of August, he recommitted his life to Jesus, and wholeheartedly worshiped in a powerful moment during communion. We are thankful for this memory, and the hope that we share because of his decision that day.
Bradley Joe Ward’s departure leaves a void that will be felt in those that loved him, but his family is filled with hope that they will be reunited with him again in heaven. Those who knew and loved him will cherish and hold on to their fondest memories of him.
Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Dennis and Marsha, along with his brothers, Mitch (Jessica) and Scott (Michelle), his grandmother, JoAnne Diebold, his daughter, Abbi Reid (Miles), and granddaughter, Cedar, who he held as the greatest treasures in his life. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and numerous extended family members, who will forever hold him dear in their hearts. Brad was reunited with loved ones who had gone before him, including his son Chase, his grandmother Jane, grandfathers Marshall and Tony, and his Uncle Ronnie.
A celebration of life and freedom will take place on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 11:00am at McArthur Church with visitation beginning one hour prior. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Cabot, Arkansas.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
54 Comments
I’m so sorry this happened to you Brad. I will never forget our conversation. To his family my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marsha and Denny, we are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I pray that God will be with you and give you peace and comfort.
A touching and beautiful obituary for a beautiful soul who touched the hearts of many….may God comfort you all
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and the family
May God hold you tightly in His arms through this deeply painful time. Thought and prayers for your family.
You have all been in our constant thoughts & prayers. We love you all very much! Rest in love Brad. ♥️
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know there will be hard days ahead but he has joy now like he has never known before. You will see him again and it won’t be long. My prayers are with you
What an awesome moment to remember from Sunday. God’s love. My sincere condolences. Praying for you all.
Dennis, Marsha, Abi and Mitchell my heart is just broken to of lost a very dear friend! Brad would check in with me at least twice a month to see how I was doing! Or of course send me a new Facebook request (lol)! I’m so thankful to of been his friend from as far back as jr. high at McArthur church when it was actually on McArthur Drive. We talked many times of our struggles with addiction. And he would always tell me how proud he was of me for cleaning up and staying clean for so long. He was a little brother to me and I always wanted to protect him! I know he is walking with the angels now and I’m sure Chase was waiting on him as he entered heaven! God knew his heart and he knew his struggle!! I will continue praying for your strength! I love you all so very much.
Our heart are breaking for all of the family at this time but what a wonderful wonderful memory of his last Sunday in church. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Marsha, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for God’s comfort for you all during this difficult time.
We were so sorry to hear about Brad. Please know that we are praying for all of you during this time and the days to come.
So sorry for ur loss. May God give u peace n comfort in days ahead. Prayers for u n the family.
I am so sorry for your loss of Brad. May the love and faith of your family and friends help you through this loss.
I’m sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family.
Sending my love, prayers for your peace and comfort.
My prayers are with the family. May God continue to wrap his loving arms around y’all.
So very sorry for your tragic loss. Our hearts go out to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. Pray for peace and comfort for the days ahead. Much love, John (Fizz), and Mary Barnett
Thinking of and praying for you this day. I know beyond a doubt, so very many loves you and your family..
The perfect words to describe BRAD . Thinking of you , Mr. Denny & Ms. Marsha and family . My deepest condolences 💐.
Our thoughts and prayers of comfort and hope are with the Ward family.
Marsha and Denny, sending you big hugs and prayers to all. There really are no words….we have been there. We are so very sorry. 😢❤️
Brad I will always cherish and never forget our last Facebook conversation . Through all of our ups, downs you and curve balls that life throws at us you always made me laugh. Even in some of our Darkest times you would always tell me something positive and encouraging. This is very odd to set here leaving a comment on your obituary. We’re going to miss you- Brother
My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy for your sudden loss of Bradley. Continued prayers for your family. Sincerely, Alexis M Malham
Ward Family, I am so sorry to read of Brad’s passing. I hold you all up in prayer as you go through this difficult time. I send my sincerest condolences. RIP Brad!
MARSHA & DENNY, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT BRAD. WE LOVE YALL AND ARE PRAYING FOR YOU.
Dennis and Marsha I’m truly sorry for your loss . Brad was one of a kind . Handsome , funny and loved his family and Jesus . He’s no longer having to fight those struggles he is at peace with Jesus hone in heaven . Rest in love my friend you will be missed . Love and prayers to this family y’all are dear to my heart love y’all so much .
Dennis and Marsha, I didn’t know Brad but I know how much we all love our adult children. I’m glad that seeing Brad again is in your future. That’s a blessing you can-look forward to. You are in our prayers.
Many many prayers for comfort and peace in the days ahead. I am so sorry for your loss
So very sorry for the loss of the family loved one May the Lord Bless and Guide y’all in the days ahead . We send our love and prayers for all
My condolences for the loss of Brad. Praise the Lord for Brad’s recommitment to Jesus his Saviors. To know you will see him again I hope it gives y’all comfort. You all are in my prayers.
I truly saw Brad as big brother growing up. He made me laugh and would actually hang out with his parents friends lil kid. I felt special. I miss y’all and so saddened by this. Love y’all. Prayers.
Kara and I love you guys so much and we hurt for you. We are so very sorry that Brad is gone. Praying for you guys.
Tim and I are so very sorry for your loss . We will be praying for your whole family.
I can’t imagine the devastation of loosing a child. Our prayers are going out to your family. The comfort of his recommitment to Christ is comfort in the middle of chaos. God bless and keep you and your family. So sad for you and your family my friend.
Praying For the family
Bill and I are so sorry for the loss of your son, Brad. Marsha, Dennis, Mitch, we love you and we’re praying for your peace and comfort.
Marsha and Denny may God give you strength during this extremely painful time. There is no greater pain than losing your child. Prayers and love for you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. Praying for the family.
Marsha & Dennis, Gary & I are so very sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. We have been praying for you to have peace- Love, Brenda & Gary Westbrook
Dennis, Marsha and family.
We are so very sorry to learn of this tragic happening, the passing of Brad, and the sorrow you are experiencing. Praying God’s grace and mercies are holding you. So thankful for the peace you are given through Brad’s recent recommitment to the Lord. Know our prayers are with you now and in the days to come.
Dennis & Marsha, Betty & I are so sad to hear this tragic news!! All our prayers for hope & healing my ol’ friend! God Bless you both !mitch
My heart hurts for you all. Prayers for peace and comfort.
My heart goes out to his friends and Family.
Prayers for all. Brad was one of kind so Thankful for a years of friendship. BRAD allowing me to borrow his western clothes in high school . Always standing up for me. And our reconnecting 7 years ago. After loosing contact for many years. So many wonderful memories . And during his own grief reminding me of the beautiful life God has given us although I was lost in my grief. Pouring the word into eachother. Prayers for all.
I know he was happy to be reunited with his son and in his father’s arms. John 16:22 “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
Wish I could physically be there but so far away. Buy I am there in heart and Prayers.
Dennis and Marsha, Love and prayers for you and your family during this time and the times to come.
I cannot imagine what you’re going through right now, but I am thinking about you and sending all my love and warm thoughts. Brad helped give me my wonderful Abbi, and I will always be grateful to him for that!
Denny, Marsha, Mitch our prayers continue to cover you and the family
Our very deepest sympathy to all of you. We send our prayers and we are believing that our GOD will wrap HIS loving arms around you and hold you close as you mourn for Brad.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family
Brad is a great friend we grew up together in Church Rest in Peace my friend
The Shurley family will keep you all in our thoughts and prayer’s! Praying for God to give you strength, comfort and peace in the days ahead!
So sorry for your loss. Marsha as a mother who has gone though this kind of loss I know how you feel. Love you and Dennis….. Aunt Barbara
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