Bishop Lee Ward

Obituary For Bishop Lee Ward

Bishop Lee Ward was born January 1, 1923, in the small town of Abbeville, AL., the fourth born to Amnon and Cora Ward. He received his education in the Alabama School System, Atlanta, GA, Vance Bible Course, and 1st Assemblies of God in 29 Palms, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Marie, Ila, Clarence, Robert, Annie Lois, James Kenneth, Frank, Elma Virginia. Bishop Ward enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served for over 26 years. While doing his tour of duty, he fought in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was a vital part of the staff for three Commandants for nine years. He also accompanied the Commandants to meetings with several U. S. Presidents and other national foreign leaders. Bishop Ward has traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and other continents. During his courtship to Mother Julia Scott Ward, it was common for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson to drop Bishop Ward off in Memphis, on Air Force One. After a lengthy career with the United States Marine Corps, he retired with the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. On June 27, 2012, Bishop Lee Ward traveled to Washington D.C. to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award a person can receive, for being one of the first African American Marines, (known as the Montford Point Marines) and for his contribution to history and our society. Bishop Ward worked diligently and faithfully in the Church of God in Christ as a member of the State Board of Ordination, Chairman of the State Sunday School Department, Superintendent and was on the Board of Directors for the C.H. Mason Bible College. He also held the position as Chairman of the Board of Ministry of Godly Men within the Billy Graham Crusades and served on the Board of Directors for the Assemblies of God, in 29 Palms, California. Bishop Ward was the former Senior Pastor of Greater Harvest Church of God in Christ Ministries, Inc., located in Memphis, Tennessee, where he led devotedly for 42 years. If we turn the hands of time backward approximately a century, we will find the humble beginning of this church. In the year 1896, on a spot of ground high on a hill in the South Fort Pickering Community, a guiding light began to shine. This was the location of the first Church of God in Christ, in Memphis, Tennessee. The original leader of this church knew this scene had historical significance. Legal records show that Greater Harvest Church of God in Christ, formally known as South Fort Pickering Church of God in Christ, has been in existence since 1896. Bishop Ward was appointed Assistant Pastor to Pastor C.H. Moore in 1969. After the death of Elder C.H. Moore, Bishop J.O. Patterson Sr. appointed Elder Ward to the pastorship in 1972, starting with only 18 members. The membership grew so that he had to move to 21 East Rollins in 1975. Following the vision God gave Pastor Lee Ward, the Lord again added to the congregation. Bishop Ward began to pray for direction once more. After much seeking and praying, God gave him the current complex located at 3509 Boxdale at Winchester in Memphis, Tennessee. Bishop Lee Ward is survived by his wife, Missionary Julia Scott Ward, sister, Ethel Rattray, children, Whittier (Antionette, LA), James Patrick (Hollywood, FL), Vivian Lee Ward Valentine (Memphis, TN), Renardo (Kristina) (Memphis, TN), Reniece Ward Stevenson (Memphis, TN), and Pastor Clifton M. Brown, whom he embraced as a son, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Bishop Lee Ward was a visionary, a man truly sent by God to deliver the proclaimed Gospel of Jesus Christ to a dying world.

A public viewing is scheduled for Sunday November 1, 2020 from 3 P.M. until 4:55 P.M. Jurisdictional Celebration of Life will follow at 5 P.M. both at Pentecostal Temple Institutional Church of God In Christ 229 S Danny Thomas Blvd.

Military honors and interment will be November 6, 2020 9:30 A.M. at West Tennessee State Veteran Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd.