Marvin S. Ward III

Born on May 11, 1948, in Charlotte, NC to Marvin and Bobbie Ward. Buddy grew up in the south Charlotte community during a time when the area was still rural. He spent his childhood exploring the woods, hunting with friends and enjoying summers at his Aunt’s home in North Myrtle Beach.

A graduate of South Mecklenburg High School, Buddy was a proud member of the football team, playing as an offensive lineman. Following high school, he joined the United States Navy, stationed on a battleship in Virginia Beach. After the Navy, he pursued higher education at NC State and Wingate University.

In 1977, Buddy met his soon to be wife, Deb, and the two were married February 14, 1981. They shared forty-four wonderful years together and were blessed with two children: Hannah (born 1989) and Josh (born 1992). Buddy was blessed with three grandsons, Emery, Crew and Hayes. He is also survived by his loving extended family, Shane and Amy Bradshaw and CiCi and Harleigh, Jacque and Don Smith, Brenda and Joey Keever and Teresa and Jeff Dillard and many others.

Buddy was predeceased in death by his dad, Marvin, and his mom, Bobbie and a brother Richard. He is also survived by a sister, Sharon.

Buddy began his professional career working for Crowder Construction, gaining experience in highway work, bridge building, and industrial concrete. When that path ended, he applied his determination and skill to founding his own business, Draw Enterprise, Inc. In the early days, he worked tirelessly-often taking side jobs to keep the business going. In 1987, he partnered with Wes Bradley, and together they built Draw Enterprise into a respected Charlotte company contributing to landmark projects such as Bank of America Stadium and the Charlotte Motorspeedway.

A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Buddy had a special love for Harley-Davidsons. Even after retirement he continued to ride, eventually trading his Softail for a Harley-Davidson Trike after his family voiced concerns -because as he joked, “technically” it wasn’t a motorcycle.

After raising their children, Buddy and Deb relocated to North Myrtle Beach, where they enjoyed shag dancing, home projects and time spent together and with friends. Buddy cherished his time with the grandsons riding bikes, fishing, and playing board games or going to breakfast. He looked forward going to the shooting range with his friends then onto Joe’s Hamburger for a hotdog.

He remained an active member of his church communities, attending First Baptist Church of North Myrtle Beach and Hillcrest Baptist when at his home in Denver.

Buddy will be remembered for his devotion to his faith and family, his quirky humor and his love of life on two (sometimes three) wheels.

A private service honoring Buddy will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of Buddy’s churches he loved so much.

First Baptist Church of North Myrtle Beach

200 HWY 17 South

North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Attn: Missions

Hillcrest Baptist

PO Box 689

Paw Creek, NC 28130

Attn: Missions