Jay Ward

Jay Ward, 53, of Massillon, went to his eternal home with the Lord, on June 11, 2020, following a massive heart attack. He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Tracee (Lilley) Ward. The couple enjoyed twenty-six years together (married for twenty-two of those years and engaged for four years prior to their marriage). He was an adoring father to his two children, son Alec Joseph Ward, and daughter, Demi Gabrielle Ward. He loved his children with all his heart. They were the pride and joy of his life; he was so proud of their many successes and accomplishments. He loved his loyal dog Kilo as well. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by three brothers, George (Lisa) Gravley, Jason Wycoff, Dominick (Sara) Wycoff; two sisters, Amber (Gary) Leonard, and Wendy Ward. His uncle, Jim (Betty) Long; grandmother, Rosemary Long; second mother, Dorothy (Mike) Lowe; sister-in-law Rachelle (George) White; mother-in-law, Deborah Lilley Bradford; father-in-law, Michael (Magdalena) Lilley. His special nephews Ryan White and Evan White; niece, Chelsie White and her children; special great niece, Paytton White; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, JoAnn (Long) and George Gravley; brother, Jeremy Gravley; grandfather, Joseph Long; father Ronald K. Ward. Jay was an honorable veteran of the United States Navy. He was employed with the City of Massillon Street Department for 17 years. He took great pride in his work and was meticulous in everything he did. He was also a former employee of the Massillon City Schools at Massillon Washington High School. Jay went to Lorin Andrews Junior High and graduated from Malvern High School in 1985. Jay enjoyed spending time with his family and having bonfires with them at home in the “Cove”. He was quick-witted and very funny, he enjoyed making people laugh! He could mimic just about any voice and facial expression. He was the expert at giving people the perfect nickname. He had an amazing singing voice and loved to sing. He was a friend to all who met him and would go the extra mile for anyone! His second family was his “Road Crew” brothers, Josh, Tim, Larry, Rick, Fab, Scott, John, Kevin, Dan, Sean. Jay will forever be missed by his wife and children, family and friends. A Celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon on Monday, June 15, 2020, from 6-8 p.m. and 1 hour prior to the service. For full obituary go to www.paquelet.com Facebook Live Streaming Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory – 330-833-3222 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jay Ward please visit our Tribute Store.