It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Charles Ray Ward Sr., known fondly to many as, Brother, "Unc", Rap and Ray. Born on January 6, 1952, in Lubbock, Texas, Charles Ray Ward was a beacon of resilience and generosity. He was a smart, loving man whose spirit was infused with a joy for life that was truly captivating. Ray was someone who loved to laugh, and he had an uncanny ability to make those around him do the same. His zest for life was evident in everything he did, from his passion for sports, which began in his high school football days at Dunbar and Estacado High School, to his love for music, which led him to be in a singing group in the mid-1970's.

Leaving home, Ray moved to Colorado in [the early 70's] where he met the love of his life Fannie P. Ward. They were married on July 30th, 1972 at Zion Temple Church in Denver. They celebrated the birth of their first child in 1975, his babygirl Tasha. Their second child, Charles Ward Jr. followed in 1979.

Ray was a man of many talents. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, displaying admirable courage and dedication. After his military service, he continued to contribute to his community as a Journeyman Roofer until an on the job injury in 1988. Despite these obstacles, Charles remained resilient, finding joy in other pursuits such as cooking, which began as a young child and developed during the time worked at a Country Club in Texas during his younger years. He was a true lover of life, always finding time to enjoy his family, Sci-fi movies, wrestling, and sports. His love for cooking and barbecuing was a testament to his generous nature, as he believed in the power of shared meals to create strong bonds among friends and family, along with having a good time which quite honestly also involved a lot of libations.

Charles Ward was a man deeply rooted in his faith. He studied to be a preacher in the 1970s. His life mirrored the words of Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Charles's faith was the compass that guided him and the source of his strength. He transmitted his wisdom to his children and grandchildren, engraving in their hearts his favorite saying, “I might give up but I won’t give in. I might give in but I won’t give out”, "Ain't no dummies in our family" and the main one when leaving, instead of saying good-bye "LOVE, LOVE ALWAYS, ALWAYS AND FOREVER LOVE". "GO WITH GOD" was his latest saying and now daddy you have to "GO WITH GOD"

Charles Ray Ward Sr. is survived by his children, Tasha Ward and Charles Ray Ward Jr., his grandchildren, Charles Ray Ward lll, Chazmin Ward, Chauncy Ward, Ta'Ken Riggs, Kenasha Riggs, Cy Ward, and Jaliyah Ward, and his siblings, Donald Ward, Wallace Coleman, Elnora Coleman, Darren Ross, Jennifer Ward Chapman, and Dorothy Sewell and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Roger Sewell, his mother, Annie Oretha Ward, his sisters, Sheila Hollie, and Leisha Ward, his granparents, x and x, and his uncle x