Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia for Charles Thomas "Tommy" Ward, 81 of Columbia, who passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026. Interment will be at Woodlawn in Columbia, MS. Bro. Brett Frazier will officiate the services. Kandee Molaison and Suzy Adams will provide special music.

The Ward family will receive guests on Wednesday morning from 10:00 am up until the hour of service at 12:00 pm at Hathorn Funeral Home.

Tommy was a builder, a private pilot, and an avid outdoorsman who found joy and peace in the woods, waters, and wide open skies - hunting, fishing, flying, exploring, and appreciating the beauty of nature.

He was a skilled craftsman, who left a legacy of well-built homes throughout Columbia and the surrounding areas that has become part of our community's foundation. He left behind solid, enduring structures that families will live in and rely on for years to come.

He not only used his expertise to make a living, but also volunteered his time and talents for families in need, through organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and other church outreach projects.

He loved time with his family and was always up for the next adventure, whether a road trip, a family outing, a hunting or fishing expedition, or a spur of the moment flight - he brought laughter and joy to every experience with his unique character, fun sense of humor, and boisterous laugh. He was a man who built with his hands and gave with his heart. His legacy lives on in the homes he constructed, and in the love and stories his family and friends will carry forward.

He was preceded in death by His Father Charles Bufkin "Buck" Ward & Mother; Frances Evelyn Griner Ward; Son, Russell Scott Ward; Sister, Jeanne Beth Ward.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marcella Ward, of Columbia;

Son, Jim Ward, of Columbia; Daughter, Katie Broom (Trent), of Columbia; two Brothers, Lonnie Ward (Rhonda) of Columbia; Jerry Ward of Columbia; three Grandchildren, Hannah Lowry (Christian); Luke Broom, and Mason Broom. Two Great Grandchildren, May Lowry, Eve Lowry.

Mr. Ward will be carried to his final resting place by those honored to serve as Pallbearers; Trent Broom, Lon Ward, Robert Allen Knight, Eddie Ray Breakfield, Bill Pachmayr, Gary Smyly, John Rinkle, Ken Shivers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Aubrey Langston, Chuck Keys, Mernice Griner, and Hubby Griner.

Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia is in charge of the arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.hathornfuneralhome.com.