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Beloved Community Leader Temple Taylor Ward Passes Away

Community members gathered with candles for a vigil in honor of Temple Taylor Ward.

News Summary

Temple Taylor Ward, a revered figure in the Scottsville community, passed away at the age of 85. Known for his extensive career in healthcare and dedication to local affairs, Ward was admired by many. His contributions include serving on the Scottsville City Council and supporting youth sports. A passionate fan of the University of Kentucky, he was also a devoted family man, survived by his children and grandchildren. Visitation and funeral services are scheduled at T. W. Crow & Son Funeral Home with burial at Cedar Cross Church Cemetery.

Bowling Green, KY – Community Leader Temple Taylor Ward Passes at 85

Temple Taylor Ward, a beloved figure in the Scottsville community, passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 85. His death occurred at the Medical Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Born on December 23, 1939, in Kelso, Tennessee, Ward was the son of the late William Lee Ward and Vina Lee Morehead Ward. He attended local schools, graduating from Fayetteville High School before pursuing further education at an X-ray and Laboratory school in Nashville, Tennessee. His extensive career in health care began in 1957 when he joined the staff at Allen County War Memorial Hospital in Scottsville.

In addition to his long tenure in laboratory settings—spanning over 50 years—Ward held a variety of jobs, including positions as a road crew worker, farmer, and salesman. He also served as an assistant manager at Kentucky Fried Chicken. Throughout his career, he made a significant impact while working for medical professionals such as Drs. Halcomb and Oliver, and Dr. Lee Carter and Linda Stovall, APRN. His work took him to multiple healthcare facilities, including Lafayette Hospital, Hartsville Hospital, and the TVA Hartsville Nuclear Plant site.

Ward was not only known for his professional accomplishments but also for his deep commitment to his community. Many in Scottsville affectionately referred to him as the “Mayor” due to his active involvement in local affairs. He served on the Scottsville City Council and was a dedicated leader in the Boy Scouts, as well as a supporter of local youth sports teams, particularly those affiliated with Allen County, encompassing basketball and football.

A die-hard fan of the University of Kentucky, Ward cherished watching games with family and friends, particularly those from his church community. Although he was originally raised in the Cumberland Presbyterian faith, he spent many years attending Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. Ward had a strong passion for travel, taking numerous trips across the United States, including a notable visit to the Mayo Clinic that was arranged by Dr. Carter.

His family and friends remember him as a hardworking, devoted son, a supportive father, and a steadfast friend known for his sense of humor and warmth. Temple Taylor Ward is survived by his daughter Lesa Watts and husband Ronnie, sons Taylor Ward and wife Tracy, and Cory Ward, as well as six grandchildren: Dani Ward, Jack Ward, Chase Ward and wife Macayla, Alex Ward, Macy Ward, and Mattie Ward. His legacy is further carried on by dear friend Patty Cornwell, two sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn Perkins Ward, his parents, and his brother Bobby Ward, along with his niece Leighanne Brechin.

The family of Temple Taylor Ward expresses their gratitude to the staff at The Medical Center at Scottsville and The Medical Center at Bowling Green, along with caregiver Lucille Payne, for their kindness and attention during his final days. Special recognition was given to Dr. Lee Carter and Linda Stovall for their loyal friendship and care throughout the years.

Visitation and Funeral Services

Visitation for Ward will be held at T. W. Crow & Son Funeral Home on the following dates:

  • Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  • Monday, May 26, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM, also at T. W. Crow & Son Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Cedar Cross Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of choice.

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Beloved Community Leader Temple Taylor Ward Passes Away

STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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