James Ward Jr.

James Ward, Jr. James William Ward, Jr., "Hollywood", 77, of Chattanooga, passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, at his residence. He was known as the singing bus driver, and retired from Carta Bus after 23 years of service. He was a member of Washington Park Baptist Church and was the pianist. He was the founder of the James Ward Harmonizers and the Echols. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Rita Ward-Johnson and Jawanna Keesee; parents, James and Bessie Ward, Sr.; sisters, Sarah Green and Betty Kyner. Survivors include devoted wife, Lillian Ward; sons, James Darrell (Karen) Ward and Cedrick (Quita) Drew, both of Chattanooga; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Bennie (Sandra) Ward, of Chattanooga; sisters, Rose Bouie, of Chattanooga, Sylvia Douglas, of Toledo, Oh., Gloria Ward, of Spring City, Tenn., Queen A. Glass and Omega B. Barber, both of Chattanooga; five sister-in-laws, four brother-in-laws, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will lie-in-state today, after noon in the chapel of Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, at noon at Olivet Baptist Church, with Pastor James Powell as eulogist. Interment will be at Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.