Rodney Burt Ward

He was born August 13, 1956 as the middle child of Anne (Castleberry) Ward and the late Paul Leon Ward.

He grew up in the Parkway Village in Memphis TN in the early 60’s and 70’s and went on to graduated from Sheffield High School class of 74”. He was an active member of the Oakville Memorial/Eastwood Baptist Church where he was saved and baptized. He was active in Sunday school, youth choir, Bible sword drills, R.A’s, ball and bowling teams.

After high school, Rodney joined the Navy, serving aboard the aircraft carrier, The USS Forestall off the coast of the north Vietnam, lifting and loading bombs for the Phanton F4’s.

Having bought Prudential insurance, where their motto is “Your own a piece of the rock” when his ship sailed near the ‘Rock of Gibraltar” he wrote home in a comical way “I got to see that rock that I own a piece of”.

Coming home from the Navy with awards and honorable discharge, he entered Shelby State Community College where he received his EMT and Paramedic License.

He was employed by Rural Metro Ambulance Service, cleared and certified for Hospital Wing and taught EMT’s and Paramedics at Southwest Community College for 16 years.

Rodney was a volunteer for Shelby County’s Sheriff Department’s Search, Rescue and Recovery. When the bridge collapsed and cars went into the river, he put on his diving suit and went down and hooked chains to cars.

He enjoyed playing in his Guitar for vet group at the VA Hospital, thus the name” Hot Rod’.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He had taken his catch of Rainbow trout to the “Raptor Center” to feed the Eagles that morning.

He leaves behind his wife, Kathy (Munday) Ward, daughters Amanda and Maria Mitchell, grandchildren Sephira, Jahari, Kaleena and Helena. His mother, Anne C. Ward of Bartlett, a brother Steve Ward of Oakland, a sister Paula Hedgepeth (Jeff) of Germantown.

A visitation for Rodney will be held Monday, March 3, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122. A visitation will occur Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Cherry Road Baptist Church, 1421 Cherry Rd, Memphis, TN 38117. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Cherry Road Baptist Church, 1421 Cherry Rd, Memphis, TN 38117.