Ward Wood Johnson, of Glasgow, Virginia, passed away peacefully with his family around him on Thursday, January 10, 2013, at the age of 80.

Ward had tenaciously fought cancer since 2006.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Elizabeth "Libby" Brown Johnson. He also follows his parents, John Armstrong Johnson and Katie Austin Johnson; brothers Robert, Sam, Ross, Jasper, and Andrew Johnson; and sister, Betsy Claytor.

He is survived by his children, Ward Johnson Jr., of Richmond, Va., Sharon (Greg) Keller, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, and Robin (Bill) Hall, of Columbus, Ohio; and six dearly loved grandsons, Matt, Drew, and Josh Keller and James, Clay, and Tyler Hall. Ward leaves behind dear sisters, Beulah Ruble, Hester Brads, and Mary Tomlin; his loving in-laws, Edward L. (Clara) Brown Jr. and Joyce Thomason; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Born on December 2, 1932, Ward grew up in Arnolds Valley in Rockbridge County along with generations of both sides of his family. Growing up in a large family, he learned the value of hard work from a very young age. Helping the family and working hard developed values he kept for life. He even helped build his future mother-in-law's home in Glasgow. He met Libby when they were school age and they attended Natural Bridge Station High School.

Later in life he drew plans for the Arnolds Valley Southern Baptist Church. The creation of the church had been a passion for his parents.

Ward was a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, Class of 1955. He served in the United States Air Force and the Virginia Air National Guard. He worked for the Esso/Exxon Corporation from 1959 until 1974. He then joined Bralley-Willett Tank Lines, Inc. of Richmond, Va., eventually becoming its owner and president.

Retiring in 1987, he was able to pursue his passion for farming; breeding and raising Black Angus cattle on two different farms in Louisa County, Va., and then settling back in his native Rockbridge County, where he was once again a neighbor of lifelong friends Eddie and Rheta Snider.

He loved the farm and the people he met along the way.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 13, 2013, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Harrison's Funeral Home in Lexington, Va. A service will be conducted by Pastor Bill Thomas at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 14, 2013, at Harrison's Chapel. Interment will follow the service at Glasgow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the The VMI Foundation, Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 22450 or to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va., 540-463-2912.