Ronald Dean Ward, 73, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on October 3rd, 2018. He was born to Nida Ward and Vernie McCowen Ward on December 31st, 1944 in Porterville, California. He was a loving husband, father, Popo, and friend. Dean was born in California to a farmer and housewife, where he learned the value of hard work. As a teenager, he worked on the family farm and had a job spaying pesticides on the California orange groves. During this time, he was also a volunteer fireman. In the winter, of 1964 he started dating a young lady by the name of Betty Mauldin.  The two fell in love and married 1 month later.  Dean and Betty had two little girls.

During the early 70's, Dean was introduced to the truck driving life.  Soon Dean and Betty were hauling goods across country.  The family moved to Arkansas in 1974 where they presently reside.  Although Dean was an outdoors man in California, he learned the true meaning during his life in Arkansas.     He spent a many year on the banks of the Arkansas River fishing or at the 'Pit,' his favorite hunting spot.

His pride and joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  The boys were his fishing/hunting buddies, and the girls were his dolls. He was their Popo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald Edward Ward and Little Richard Ward; and sister, Kathleen Ward Reece.

He leaves behind a wife of 55 years Betty Ward; two daughters, Heidi Campbell (Jack) and Tracy Scroggins; sister, Gladys Marie Ward Tatum; seven grandchildren, Kristin Campbell, Charrish Jackson, Richard Wyllia, Jack JC Campbell (Trasa), Cory Campbell (Brooke), Lucas Scroggins, and Goldie Scroggins; four great-grandchildren, Austin, Conner, Aiden, and Paisley; along with dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends who love and miss him dearly.

The visitation will be held on Sunday, October 7th, 2018 from 2:00-4:00 PM, and the celebration of life will be held on Monday, October 8th, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.