Celebration of Life

Ronald Lee Ward

October 31, 1947 – July 19, 2024

Ronald Lee Ward, 76, was called home to be with the Lord on July 19th, 2024 after a long battle with Dementia. Ron passed away at Community Regional Medical Center. He was born in Fresno, CA on October 31, 1947. He was raised by his grandparents Harvey and Mary Ward. He attended Fresno schools and graduated from Hoover High School where he played football. After high school, he joined the United States Coast Guard from 1968 - 1971. After his honorable discharge from the Coast Guard, Ron became a Santa Cruz police officer. He was then self-employed for the majority of his life thereafter and retired from the trucking industry in Flagstaff, AZ. Ron was a devoted Christian and loved the Lord.

Ron enjoyed coaching and being involved in soccer with his sons when they were young. He created the Valley Youth Soccer League which still exists today. Ron created one of the largest security companies in California called Industrial Security of California. A venture that was very successful but God had other plans later in life. Ron loved his life in Arizona and had interest in gold panning and the historical nature of the true story of Wyatt Earp. His legacy is now passed down to his two boys who value his work ethic and being thoughtful. Ron was a charismatic individual and was able to make friends very quickly wherever life took him.

He loved his mother, Dorothy Abston. He is survived by his two sons, Michael David Ward and Daniel Jason Ward. His two sisters Sharon Chrisman and Delynn Easley. He has 6 grandchildren, Aubrey Rutherford, Mikayla Ward, Megan Ryan, Michael Ward Jr., Jaylan Ward and Paige Ward. He has 4 great grandchildren, Dallas Ryan, Ally Ryan, Mackenzie Rutherford and Harley Rutherford with one on the way. Ron made many friends along the way and was loved by everyone he came in contact with.

Ron's graveside, Celebration of Life, is scheduled for Wednesday July 31st beginning at 11:00am at Fresno Memorial Gardens 175 S. Cornelia Avenue in Fresno.

There will be a private family reception shortly following the ceremony at CrossCity Christian Church located at 2777 E. Nees Ave in Fresno