Rev. John Carl Ward, Jr. 49, of Huntington, beloved Pastor of Cross Roads United Methodist Church, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 24, 2018, at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, WV. Funeral service will be conducted 4:00 pm Friday, June 29, 2018, at Cross Roads United Methodist Church with Pastor Bill DeMoss and Dr. Okey Harless officiating. John was born October 13, 1968 in Man, WV, a son of Helen Smith Ward of Hamlin, WV, and the late John Carl Ward, Sr. His first wife, Sherry Ann Shaw Ward, also preceded him in death. John graduated from Hamlin High School, attended Marshall University and Bluefield State College as an undergraduate then attended the Nazarene Bible College for Pastoral training and obtained his Master of Divinity at Virginia Union Theological Seminary and was currently working towards his Doctorate of Ministry, preparing a thesis, and was passionate about his research on Appalachian Ministry at Liberty University. John served many churches and loved all his parishes having left Hamlin to minister in the state of Virginia, but before his death his greatest hope was fulfilled when he was privileged to return to his home state of West Virginia. He was currently the pastor of Cross Roads United Methodist Church; he loved to read and write his daily devotions which many people looked forward to each day; his heart was working with missions and the youth; and he never overcame his passion to be a football coach. Go Steelers!! In addition to his mother, survivors include his wife, Kathleen Erikson Ward of Huntington; a daughter, Makayla Renee Ward at home; a brother and his wife, David and Mendy Ward of Christiansburg, VA; a niece and nephews, Rebecca Ward, Jacob Ward, and Matthew Sirry; and numerous extended family, church family and friends. In lieu of flowers the family would like contributions to be sent to Cross Roads United Methodist Church at 3146 Saltwell Road, Huntington, WV 25705 to a fund established for United Methodist Volunteers in Missions, in memory of Rev. John C. Ward, Jr. The family will receive family and friends 2:00-4:00 pm Friday, June 29, 2018, prior to services at the church.