Mark Ward

Mark was born on January 23, 1966, and was the son of Frank Ward and Lucy (Conner) Ward.

Mark found joy in the simple things. Some of his best days were spent on the water. Relaxing on a boat or surfing the next wave, he found a sense of peace there. Music was never far from him either, from making up little jingles at home to playing keyboard in the band Heartstrings. Mark also loved his dogs fiercely. Max and Waylon held a special place in the Surfing Cowboy’s heart.

Mark understood that none of us get everything right. He didn’t judge people by their mistakes or where they had been in life. If someone was down on their luck, Mark was willing to lend a hand.

There are a lifetime of stories and memories that come with knowing Mark. Those memories will live on in the stories that are told, retold, and remembered for years to come.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lucy Ward.

He is survived by his sister, Kay Soper and husband Rob; nieces, Kayla Griffith and husband Justin, and Tara Van Gorder and husband Josh; nephews, Troy Travis and wife Kimmi, and Casey Travis; and great-niece and great-nephews, Aurora Griffith, Clayton Travis, and Lucas Van Gorder. He is also survived by many extended family members and friends who loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held September 4, 2026, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home from 6pm-8pm. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate Mark’s life together.