CONWAY — Sam Jerry Ward,

80, passed away peacefully, Friday, January 14, 2022, after suffering a stroke earlier in the week. He was born in Conway, Ark., on September 8, 1941.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Vida Ward; and sister, Janelle Lisenby. He is survived by his daughters, Debbie (Mark) Ellis of Bryant, Ark., Jessica (Thomas) Milstead of Bismarck, Ark.; stepdaughter, Amber (John) Spencer of Springdale, Ark.; grandchildren, Peyton Ellis, Brooks Ellis, Will Ward, Cy Spencer, Winnie Spencer, and Tyler Milstead; ex-wife, Rosemary Ward; and former wife and friend, Denva Ward.

Jerry began his career in the grocery business as a stock boy for Kroger in Conway, Ark. He worked his way up to Assistant Store Manager and then Store Manager. He managed stores in Russellville, Texarkana, and Little Rock, including the Rodney Parham Store and the R Street location. After leaving Kroger, he was a grocery merchandiser for Affiliated Foods and SuperValu. He retired as the Executive Vice President/COO of Mad Butcher Supermarkets in Pine Bluff, Ark. He was living in Conway at the time of his death. He dearly loved his grandchildren and was their biggest fan, rarely missing a game or performance that they were in. He was so proud of their achievements. Jerry loved watching NASCAR races and sporting events. He read the newspaper daily and watched the local and national news. He kept us all apprised of current events, and we will miss our daily updates from him.

A drop-in visitation will start Monday afternoon, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. The family may not be present. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 11 a.m., at Crestlawn Memorial Park Pavilion, 472 US 64, Conway, Ark. Please wear a mask if attending. Memorial donations may be made to, Arkansas Hospice Ottenheimer Inpatient Center, 2 St. Vincent Circle, Little Rock, Ark., 72205.