SSG Christopher Michael Ward

SSG Christopher Michael Ward, age 24, died Saturday, April 6, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Chris was the son of Joyce Marie Scott Ward and Michael Howard Ward, who both survived him. He was born April 20, 1988, in Arcadia, Fla., and attended Desoto High School until his sophomore year, when he first became involved with ROTC.

He moved to Oak Ridge with his mother and attended Oak Ridge High during his junior year and enlisted in the Army at age 17. He embraced the military life with enthusiasm. Even as a fresh recruit, he was viewed as a leader. Chris was proud to be an American and proud of his country. He often said he worked for the people of the United States, and his service overseas was for the freedom of the American people.

Chris was very athletic and enjoyed all types of sports, including baseball, football, track, and weight lifting. He also enjoyed playing the video game World of Warfare.

He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Daniel W. and Erna L. Scott, and paternal grandmother, Karen Sue Ward.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by brothers, Matthew Ward of Oak Ridge and Travis Ward, a student at the Spartan College of Aerodynamics in Tulsa, Okla.; paternal grandfather, Howard L. Ward and wife Nancy of Arcadia, Fla.; uncles, Carl D. Sexton and wife Sandy of Wartburg, and James Ward; aunts, Patricia Hicks and Ivory Sexton of Oak Ridge, Athena Mendez and husband Mario of Arcadia, Fla., and Michele Meyers; and numerous cousins, extended family, and his military family.

The family will receive friends Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. A celebration of Chris’ life will follow at 12 p.m., where family and friends will have a chance to share their stories and memories of Chris. Full military honors will be provided. Following the services, the family will welcome friends to their home in Oak Ridge. In keeping with Chris’ wishes, his body will be cremated.

The family asks that memorials be made to Stitched in Prayers, Trinity United Methodist Church, 201 Church Street, Smithfield, VA 23430.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.