Joe Michael Ward

Joe Michael Ward was born to James C. Ward and JoAnn McKenzie Ward on January 3, 1956, in Clovis, New Mexico. He was the youngest of their four children. Joe was a graduate of Lubbock Monterey High School and attended Texas Tech University. On December 30, 1977, he married the love of his life and best friend, Pam Anz in Sweetwater, Texas. Joe's passion and talent for cooking inspired the opening of their restaurant Southern Sea in San Angelo. He was often out in the dining room visiting with restaurant patrons making sure they were satisfied with their food and dining experience. The wait for a table was always worth the time. After closing the restaurant, he opened Michael's at the Cactus Hotel. Upon leaving the restaurant industry, Joe went to work as a salesman in San Angelo. He was employed by Ener-Tel at the time of his death. Like his father-in-law before him, Joe had a passion for woodwork. He was known for making beautiful wooden crosses which he prided in sharing with his family and friends. His talent was not limited to crosses. He made beautiful pieces of furniture which continue to adorn the homes of many. Joe left this earth to be with his Father in Heaven on Monday, December 1, 2014 at a local hospital. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, John Anz. He is survived by his loving family, wife Pam Ward of San Angelo, children Erica Hill and her husband Mark of Little Elm, Michael Ward and his girlfriend Jennifer Groves of San Angelo and his grandchildren Evan and Dylan Hill of Little Elm. Also surviving are his siblings, Jan McMillan and husband Gordon of Houston, Jamie Ward and wife Betsy of Lubbock, Susan Roberts and husband Ernie of Jacksonville, his mother-in-law Marieta Anz of San Angelo and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2013 at First United Methodist Church in San Angelo with the Rev. Sam Hunnicutt officiating. Honorary pall-bearers will be Roger Ellison, Rob Rainey and David Bray and members of his Emmaus Reunion Group; Micky Favre, Ron Pullen, Larry Montelongo, Bronson Jowers and Scott Edwards. The family would like to thank Nancy York with Hospice of San Angelo for her continued support during the family's recent losses as well as the number of people who have provided support in the form of phone calls, food and personal visits. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Joe's memory to the American Heart Association . Family and friends may sign an online registry book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.