Tuesday, June 30, 2026 2:39 pm

Donald Oscar Ward, 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Concord, North Carolina.

Born in Cleveland County on February 19, 1946, he was the son of the late Curtis Junior Ward and Mary Luma Weathers Ward.

Donald worked for many years as an electrician at Ora Mill and later in the lithium industry in Kings Mountain. He was a humble and hardworking man who was devoted to his family. Above all else, he cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter, Priss Raffaldt and husband, Richard; his stepson, Robert Elliot and wife, Miranda; his grandchildren, Channing, Eric, Kassi, Chris, Nick, and Justin; nine great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Louise and Grace, and niece Roslyn.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in the Chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Ward family.