John Kirby Ward

John Kirby Ward, 83, of Bristol, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

John was a graduate of Virginia Tech, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1964. He began his career with Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he served as a Project Engineer on a major international project in Spain and later as Project Manager on a defense-related project in New York.

In 1974, John was recruited by Bristol Steel in Bristol, Virginia, where he played a key role in developing the company's capabilities in supplying large structures for nuclear power plants. In 1979, he was promoted to Chief Engineer of Chattanooga Boiler & Tank Company in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a division of Bristol Steel, and later served as General Manager.

In 1983, John returned to Bristol to lead Strongwell's Virginia manufacturing operations (then Morrison Molded Fiber Glass). He later became Manager of Strongwell's International Business Group, a position he held until his retirement in 2010.

John was a dedicated engineer who took pride in his work and in the teams he led. He was also a loyal fan of both the University of Tennessee and his alma mater, Virginia Tech.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn Ward and Dora Kirby Ward.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Vicki; sons, David Oakley and Greg Oakley and his wife, Ann; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Minnich, Catherine, Hagan, and Skylar; his brother, David Ward and his wife, Patsy; and his sister-in-law, Marcia Hardy and her husband, Mike.

The family is planning services in June, which will be announced at a later date.

The family extends special thanks to Elite Hospice and his caregivers, Kim Woodby, Jennifer Boggess, Sandee Tibbs, Liz Fleenor, and Hope Pearson, for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to State Street United Methodist Church, 650 Valley Dr, Bristol, VA 24201.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com <http://www.trinitymemorialcenters.com/>.

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