Ronald Albert "Ronnie" Ward, a 58-year-old man from Lenoir, NC, tragically passed away on June 30, 2021. Ronnie was a tool and die maker, an avid coin collector, and a lover of vintage cars. He was happiest at his church, Hillcrest Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as Choir Director. Ronnie was survived by his wife, Karen Brown Ward, his son, William Thomas Ward, and his grandchild, Micah Asher Ward.
On the day of his death, the Lenoir Police Department and Fire Department
responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired, a fire, and a possible explosion at Ronnie's residence on Laurel Pl. When first responders arrived, they found the house engulfed in flames. After extinguishing the fire, investigators discovered four bodies inside, all victims of gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as Ronald Albert Ward , Ronald James Ward , Katlyn Nichole Ward , and Emily Grace Ward .
The investigation revealed that the suspect, Ronald James Ward, shot his father and sisters before setting the house on fire and shooting himself. The fire was determined to have been intentionally set using an accelerant. The Lenoir Police Department, along with the Lenoir Fire Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, conducted the investigation. No further information was released, and the case remains an ongoing investigation.
Ronnie's death was a tragic and heartbreaking event that deeply affected his family and the community. His legacy lives on through his family and the memories they cherish.
