Bennie Joe Ward

Bennie was born in Columbus County on March 10, 1950 and was the son of the late Tine and Hettie Phelps Ward.

Owner and operator of Ward's Body Shop for 44 years, Bennie Joe dabbled in more than just paint and body work. He also provided several goods and services such as: a mechanic shop, sandblasting, dog kennels, welding gases and supplies, carports, used parts, storage buildings, vinyl signs, and towing. Pretty much your one stop shop.

In addition to the body shop, Bennie Joe also formerly owned and operated Ward's Mobile Home Park, Ward & Price Used Cars with Danny Price and Ward & Ward Racing, with the late Buddy Ward. He was also working on his newest vision, Ward's Camp Ground.

As if this wasn't enough for one man to handle, Bennie was also a self-proclaimed farmer who established “The Ward Farm” fully equipped with pond, animals of all kinds, and entertainment for the grandchildren and visitors alike...and yes! It followed suit with the infamous red and yellow!

He was an enthusiast of all dangerous sports including, but not limited to: go-kart racing, 3-wheeling and 4-wheeling, demolition derbies, airplanes, boating, and last but not least, mini stock racing at Myrtle Beach Speedway.

Even as busy and adventurous as he was, Bennie always found time to express his generosity, showing how caring an individual he actually was. Helping the less fortunate and/or sick, making sure they had what they needed, whether it be his time sitting and talking with them or on a monetary need basis. Bennie even provided Christmas for many, that without him they would not have had one at all! It wasn't unusual for him to buy an entire truck load of collards to help a local farmer or purchase all the boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts from a fundraiser, just to turn around and give it all away!

In addition to his generosity and caring nature, he absolutely loved to make people laugh and had a good time doing it! If ever you were down and needed a pick-me-up, all you had to do was give him a call or stop by the shop. The Master of Pranks (especially towards family) always had a story to tell, often giving ideas to others about how to pull their own pranks!

“Really and truly” if you ever received a life lesson from Bennie Joe then you know he loved you!! “You're not listening, just listen to me!” After all, he always gave sound advice and information whether you asked for it or not.

In lieu of any memorial fund, we ask that you keep his memory alive by performing random acts of kindness.

 Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out shouting “Wow! What a ride!

Now, “here's the deal!”

He is survived by his wife, Regely Ward; four daughters, Carla Edwards and husband Billy of Central, S.C.; Misty Britt and husband Chris of Leland; Jennifer Lowery of Supply; Julie Hewett and husband Larry of Supply; nine grandchildren, Paige Lowery, Alecia Hewett, Ashlynne Lowery, Mason Hewett, Samantha Edwards, Georgia Britt, Selah Britt, Addison Edwards, Easton Hewett; a brother, D.N. “Dink” Ward and wife Diane of Supply; a sister, Alpha Brewer of Whiteville.

Funeral service will be held Friday July 24, 2015 at 1pm at the Chapel of White Funeral and Cremation Service, Supply Chapel (Formerly Coble Ward-Smith). Burial will follow in the Riley Sellers-Fred Cumbee Cemeteries.

Pallbearers will be Billy Joe Smith, Michael Williamson, Jody Taylor, Jackie Hyatt, Mark Gore, Kendall Ward. Honorary pallbearers will be Josh Clemmons, Nolan Ward, Nathan Ward, Bobby Grainger, Jeff Simmons, Mike McCune, Gregg Warren, John Hardee.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7-9 at White Funeral Service, 603 Ocean Highway, Supply and other time at the residence.

You may offer online condolences at www.whitefuneralservicesupply.com.

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Supply Chapel (910) 754-6848