Jack Ward

William Jackson “Jack” Ward, Jr., 81, longtime Mooresville resident, businessman, and community leader passed away peacefully on September 17, 2022, with his beloved wife Carolyn, at his side. Jack was born March 10, 1941, in Armathwaite, Tennessee, to the late William Jackson Ward, Sr. and Gladys (Goad) Ward. He married the love of his life, Carolyn (LaRue) on June 9, 1962.

Jack graduated from York Agricultural Institute in Jamestown, Tennessee. He worked early on for Johnson’s Department Store after high school before both Jack and Carolyn took jobs with the FBI in Washington, D.C. for several years. A short move back to Tennessee preceded their move to Indiana where Jack became employed with Ford and in sales for Christian Education Sales.

In March of 1972, he started Ward’s Apparel in downtown Mooresville. The early days were lean and sometimes bleak, but Jack persevered as a new retailer in a small town. On August 4, 1976, a significant break for Jack occurred when Levi’s approached him to sell their merchandise. It might be fair to say the rest is history, but the work certainly did not stop there. Jack continued to build Ward’s Apparel into the multi-generational business it is today by working hard, treating customers exceptionally well, and always keeping his faith at the forefront. Ward’s acquired Davis Jeans & Fashion in Indianapolis in 1986, a business that was recently honored with a proclamation by the city for its 100-year anniversary.

Jack was a proud member of the Mooresville community, serving as president of the Greater Mooresville Chamber of Commerce, on the board at Mooresville Christian Academy, the Mooresville Library Board, and as a founding member of the Mooresville Kiwanis Club. Jack and Carolyn were honored as co-Mooresvillian of the Year in 2015. He also served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and bus driver at church. He was a member of Emanuel Baptist Church in Greenwood and attended Mt. Gilead Church in Mooresville.

He was an avid race fan and traveled extensively with racing as a member of Motor Racing Outreach. He loved anything that could go fast – cars, snowmobiles, boats, ATVs, and horses. Jack always enjoyed trips back to where it all began for him and Carolyn in Tennessee. Many wonderful memories with family and friends were created on the shores of Silver Lake in Michigan also. Jack will be fondly remembered by his loving family, many friends, and a grateful community.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn; children, Jacqui (Orville) Abney and John (Leslie) Ward; sister, Phyllis Flowers; six grandchildren, Olyvia, Natalie, and Delaney Ward, Jeremy (Angela) Terry, Jeff Terry, and Megan (T.J.) Strange; great-grandson, Hudson.

Jack’s Life Celebration® Visitation and funeral service will be held at Mt. Gilead Church, 6019 East State Road 144, Mooresville, IN 46158. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 21, 2022, from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday, September 22, 2022, with Jeff Faull officiating. Burial will follow at White Lick Cemetery, Mooresville.   Memorial contributions may be made to The Gathering Together, 147 N. Center St., Plainfield, IN 46168 or to Mt. Gilead Church, 6019 E. SR 144, Mooresville, IN 46158. Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.