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North Myrtle Beach… Dennis Wayne Ward, age 76, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2023. Dennis was born in Kingsport, TN, son of the late Mason and Georgia Ward. He was born and grew up in Kingsport, TN and graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School. He was also a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. Dennis earned a Master's degree from East Tennessee State University in City Management and achieved his Certified Professional Engineering License. He worked for the City of Kingsport in many capacities over the years. He served in Public Works, as well as Assistant to the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Acting City Manager and Interim Police Chief. He also chaired the City's Planning Commission and was a member and Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport. Dennis was an active member of First Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon and was on the Board of Elders. After his employment with the City of Kingsport, Dennis entered the private sector and worked with the engineering firm Barge, Waggoner, Sumner, and Cannon. While there he progressed to Vice President and Manager for the Tri-City Offices. After retirement, Dennis and Debbie moved to sunny North Myrtle Beach. Dennis was a very honest and caring man who loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a loving father to his children and grandchildren. He kept in close contact with all of them, especially Susan who received "Good Mornings", "Nighty-Nights" every night and texts throughout the day. Andy recently moved from Kingsport to North Myrtle Beach. He is a loving son and has been a huge help with the family and the household. Dennis maintained many friendships from Pre-School and enjoyed close relationships with them throughout his life. Dennis was an avid golfer and a member of Ridgefields Country Club. He was also a collector and a restorer of antique cars of which he owned several and a longtime member of the Kingsport Antique and Rod Club. He was also a devoted VFL (Vol For Life). He enjoyed spending his retirement years at the beach with his loving wife. Dennis will be remembered as a fantastic husband, father, grandfather and good friend to all. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Thomas H. Finger; and one nephew, Jeremy Frye. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Deborah F. Ward of North Myrtle Beach; son, Andrew J. Ward of North Myrtle Beach; daughter, Susan A. Smith (Morgan) of Charleston, TN; two grandchildren, Dylan Joseph Ward (Lawrence Korges) of Cedar Rapids, IA and Jessica K. Smith of Charleston, TN; one brother-in-law, Dwayne Frye (Ramona) of Knoxville, TN; a sister-in-law, Carolyn Finger of Lenoir City, TN; and several special nephews. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Southern Palms Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Baldwin, Randy Bledsoe, Scott Finger, Jim Gray, Larry Johnson, David LaRue, Fred Rogers and Wayne Burchette. Honorary Pallbearers will be Special Nephews: Trevor Finger, Joshua Frye, Jonathan Frye, and Jordan Frye. Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org or to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation at www.helpfightra.org Please sign an online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

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Dennis Wayne Ward

February 4, 1947 - March 11, 2023