William Kyle Ward, Jr.

William Kyle “Bill” Ward, Jr., 82, of Beaver went home to the loving arms of the Lord on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Born on February 18, 1943, in Christiansburg, VA, he was the son of the late William K. Ward, Sr. and Lillian Elleen Elliot Ward. Bill grew up in Glen Morgan, WV and attended Shady Spring High School and Beckley College.

Also preceding Bill in death were his sisters Karen E. Wheeler and Brenda J. Murrell.

Bill started his career by building homes for his father at Ward Construction. From there he ventured out on his own creating William K. Ward, Jr. Construction. His love and talent for woodworking led Bill to open his own furniture store for a number of years. Always one to follow his dreams, his passion for golf led Bill to become a professional golfer for a time, competing on the Hogan tour, and ultimately to create Golf Design, Inc. (GDI), working alongside his son Chris, where he designed and built 8 golf courses, one being included in the Guiness Book of World Records for the longest hole in the United States. He was also an avid hunter, spending countless hours in the woods with his son and grandsons.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife Lafonda Ward; brother Carl Ward of Mt. Airy, NC; daughter Robin Stewart (Robbie) of Beaver; son Christopher Ward (Kim) of Beaver; grandchildren Megan Hoskins (John), Jason “Andy” Stewart (Stephanie), Christian Ward (Maddy) and Hannah Ward; great-grandchildren Lilian (Lily) Stewart, Parker Rice, Jason Stewart, Jr., Alyvia Rice and Allie Stewart; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank special friends and family Jay & Barbie Smithers, Cody & Carrie Darby, Seth & Krystal Smithers, Donnie Ward and Nicholas Ward for their love and support during this difficult time.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Tilden Community Church with Pastor Jack Barber officiating. Burial will then follow at Tilden Community Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 12 p.m. until the service time.

Pallbearers will be Jason “Andy” Stewart, Christian Ward, Seth Smithers, Cody Darby, Todd Franklin and Nicholas Ward. Honorary pallbearers will be Parker Rice, Jason Stewart, Jr. and John Hoskins.