Mr. Joseph Marshall Ward, Jr.

Joseph Marshall Ward, Jr., 71, of Murray, KY, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at Baptist Health Hospital in Paducah, KY. Born on July 9, 1953, in Nashville, TN, Marshall was the son of Joseph Marshall Ward, Sr., an accomplished artist, and Paula Moore Ward, a dedicated nurse educator, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Pamela Jean Brown Ward; his daughter, Lauren Bailey Ward Cruz, of Woodside, NY; his sons, Charles Dillon Ward and wife Emily Denham Ward of Peoria, IL, and Joseph Alexander Ward and wife Hannah Grace Wachenheim of Louisville, KY. Marshall was a proud and doting grandfather to Noah Dustin Cruz and Lydia Grace Cruz. He is also survived by his brother, McDaniel Moore Ward of Pearl River, LA, and nieces and nephews, Jacob Reid Ward, Megan Suzanne Ward, and Bradley Scott Ward. He is also survived by cousins Byron Paul Barlowe and Natalie Barlowe Hinton and their families who will miss him dearly. Marshall was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Fire Department of the City of New York Lieutenant Robert Bing Cruz and cousin-in-law Vann Harris Hinton.

Marshall spent his formative years in East Tennessee and Charleston, SC, places that shaped the vibrant, spirited man he became. A gifted storyteller with a quick wit, Marshall often recounted his youthful fights for justice against the neighborhood bullies behind the laundromat back in Bristol. He had great memories of the summers he spent at Camp Ridgecrest for Boys. He also looked back fondly on his high school days, a few of which were spent skipping class to surf the waves and cruise the coast in his beloved black 1970 Nova. Marshall was also a gifted athlete, competing in track and field and playing soccer during his college years. His passion for endurance sports continued beyond college, and he went on to become an avid marathon runner.

Marshall loved a good time and lived each moment with unmistakable gusto. With his easy charm, Marshall never met a stranger, and he leaves behind a legacy of a life fully lived. Before embarking on a long and impactful career as an educator, he wore many hats—baker, disc jockey, jeweler, landscaper—and brought the same passion to each. As a small business owner, he ran a successful painting company specializing in the restoration of historic Charleston Single Houses, work that earned the approval of the city's Architectural Review Board.

Marshall was a lifelong learner with a deep passion for education, civic engagement, and service to others. He graduated from King College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History, followed by a Master of Education in Curriculum/History & Political Science from The Citadel. He earned his South Carolina Teaching Certificate from Charleston Southern University. A dedicated educator, Marshall taught for 3 years at First Baptist Church School in Charleston, SC, 17 years at R.B. Stall High School in Charleston, SC, and another 17 years at Calloway County High School in Murray, KY, where he taught AP History, AP Government/ Politics, Economics, and Humanities.

Marshall served as the President of the Charleston Federation of Teachers for nine years and sponsored numerous student organizations including We The People, Model Congress, Model UN, Leadership Tomorrow, Student Government, and Junior Achievement. He was an organizer for Mock Elections and Political Rallies and a volunteer for First Robotics, Inc. He was the Social Studies Department Chair at Calloway County High School and a representative for the School Based Decision Making Council. He served as an Instructor of Political Science at Murray State University’s Commonwealth Honors Academy and as a Cooperating Teacher for Murray State University Student Teachers. He coached various sports, including high school varsity soccer and track and field. He led student trips to Washington, DC, New York City, andthe Bahamas inspiring many young minds along the way; he also notably led the Kokehashi Project Bridge to Tomorrow Japan Exchange Program. He cajoled those around him to question convention, think independently, and advocate for their passions. His dedication to students was evident, and he was deeply involved in mentoring both students and teachers.

Marshall received numerous honors throughout his career, including being named the 1995 Applied Economics Teacher of the Year and a National Finalist with Junior Achievement. He was twice recognized as Stall High School’s Teacher of the Year (1995 and 1996), led the Calloway County soccer team to a Region 1 Championship in 1999, and was inducted into both the KY YMCA Advisor Hall of Fame and the KUNA Hall of Fame for his outstanding leadership and mentorship.

Marshall was named a Kentucky Colonel in 2015 for his service and accomplishments on behalf of others, and in 2013, he received the Civic Education Leadership Award. He was passionate about civic engagement and served as a columnist for the Murray Ledger & Times and Forward KY, providing a progressive Democratic Party perspective on local, state, and national issues. He was an active member of the Calloway County Retired Teachers Association and the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association for which he served as a lobbyist and co-chair of the legislative committee. His active role in the community extended to serving on the Murray-Calloway County Park Board, as secretary of the Calloway County Library Board, as president of the Murray-Calloway County Soccer Association, and as Camp Director for Challenger Sports soccer camp.

In addition to his career in education, Marshall was an avid traveler, having backpacked through Europe and honeymooned with Pam in the British Isles. He enjoyed family vacations to Folly Beach, Ireland, France, Belgium, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, and Banff National Park. A lifelong patron of the arts, Marshall nurtured creativity not only in himself but also in his children, encouraging their pursuits in music, painting, photography, film, and glassblowing. He took great pride in Lauren, Dillon, and Alex’s talents and was their biggest supporter.

Marshall also had a sharp mind and a love for friendly competition—he was a talented bar trivia player, and his team, The No Brainers, enjoyed regular success at The Big Apple in Murray. He was also a passionate Tennessee Vols fan and enjoyed watching college football, English Premier League, and March Madness with Pam. He loved cooking breakfast for dinner and was known for his fluffy omelets, and he was quick to remind you that he was able to cook them over an open fire thanks to his early days as a Boy Scout.

Marshall’s life will be remembered by his unwavering commitment to others, his passion for teaching and learning, and his relentless pursuit of justice, progress, and improvement in all aspects of life.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on July 18, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on July 19, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A celebration of life gathering will follow at 4:00 p.m. on July 19, 2025, at the Big Apple Grill and Bar in Murray, Kentucky, to honor and continue celebrating Marshall’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association, 7800 Leaders Lane, Louisville, KY 40291, Calloway County Retired Teachers Association, c/o Pam Ward, 1308 Oakhill Drive, Murray, KY 42071, the Murray High School Boys’ Soccer Program, 1800 Sycamore Street, Murray, KY 42071, Calloway County High School Boys’ Soccer Program, 2108 College Farm Road, Murray, KY 42071, or the Calloway County Democratic Party, make checks payable to CCDP, 112 North 10th Street, Murray, KY 42071.

Marshall will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on through the lives he touched.

Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurchill.com