A native of Saluda, he was the son of the late Roy Edward and Lola Thompson Ward. A longtime Saluda city commissioner and businessman, Charlie was the much-loved fixture of Thompson&squo;s Store for the past 60 years, having left Saluda only for service in the Korean War. Best known for whistling in the market, hugging friends and strangers alike, Charlie called everyone &dquo;Buddy.&dquo;

He is survived by his wife Judy Pack Ward; a daughter, Shelley Ward Floyd and husband, Steve of Hendersonville; three step-sons, Chuck Williamson (Hope) of Charlotte, N.C., Jeff Williamson (Lisa) of Columbia, S.C., and Scott Williamson (Natalie) of Tampa, Fla.; a nephew, Roger Ward of Saluda, and a niece, Missy Ward Hart (Geoff) of Greenville; seven grandchildren, Breanna, Charlie & Chandler Floyd and Carter, Austin, Titan & Noah Williamson; a large extended family of friends who will dearly miss him.&bsp; He was preceded in death by two brothers, Roy Jr. and Jack.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008 in Saluda First Baptist Church, with Rev. Herman Nodine, Rev. David Webb and Mr. Dit Williams officiating.

Burial will be in Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery in Saluda with military rites by the Henderson County Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P. O. Box 505, Saluda, N.C.&bsp; 28773.

The family will be at the home, 866 Louisiana Avenue, Saluda.

An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel of Tryon is in charge of arrangements.

‐ paid obituary