A member of South Carolina car racing royalty died over the weekend at AnMed Medical Center in Anderson, officials said.According to an obituary posted on the Howze Mortuary’s website, Maurice Austin “Marty” Ward died Sunday. He was 58.His friends said he died of a sudden heart attack while competing Saturday in the Southeast Super Trucks competition at the Anderson Motor Speedway.Bryan Ramey, Upstate attorney and longtime friend of Ward told WYFF News 4: “So many people are hurting because he was so good to so many people, And he never wanted credit. He was always behind the scenes, but he would always help. It just can’t be calculated the hole that’s left with Marty Ward crossing the river.”Ward’s racing resume is legendary.Racing always with the number 97, he won the championship at Greenville-Pickens Speedway not once, not twice, but six times.Ward was also a three-time South Carolina State Champion in what is known as the NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Weekly Racing Series.His obituary said Ward also participated in and won several notable touring series, including the Hooters Pro Cup series, the UARA STARS late Model Series, the NASCAR Sportsman Division and the NASCAR All-American Challenge Series. Earlier this year, he had a victory in the Southeast Super Trucks Tour at Anderson Speedway in their opening race for the season. “Marty spent his life racing but above all else the thing he treasured most was his family that he loved beyond measure,” his obituary said. “And with all the accomplishments in his life, his greatest accomplishment was to know that his son would soon to be a Graduate of Clemson University.”Ward is survived by his mother; his son, Jacob Ward and his wife of 30 years, Gina Ward.The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday at The Howze Mortuary, at 6714 State Park Road in Travelers Rest.Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Clearview Baptist Church, at 5611 State Park Road, also in Travelers Rest. Burial will be private.Anderson Motor Speedway plans to honor Ward’s memory by making its limited late-model Shrine Race 97 laps. The race is set for Saturday, Aug. 26.
A member of South Carolina car racing royalty died over the weekend at AnMed Medical Center in Anderson, officials said.
According to an obituary posted on the Howze Mortuary’s website, Maurice Austin “Marty” Ward died Sunday. He was 58.
His friends said he died of a sudden heart attack while competing Saturday in the Southeast Super Trucks competition at the Anderson Motor Speedway.
Bryan Ramey, Upstate attorney and longtime friend of Ward told WYFF News 4: “So many people are hurting because he was so good to so many people, And he never wanted credit. He was always behind the scenes, but he would always help. It just can’t be calculated the hole that’s left with Marty Ward crossing the river.”
Ward’s racing resume is legendary.
Racing always with the number 97, he won the championship at Greenville-Pickens Speedway not once, not twice, but six times.
Ward was also a three-time South Carolina State Champion in what is known as the NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Weekly Racing Series.
His obituary said Ward also participated in and won several notable touring series, including the Hooters Pro Cup series, the UARA STARS late Model Series, the NASCAR Sportsman Division and the NASCAR All-American Challenge Series.
Earlier this year, he had a victory in the Southeast Super Trucks Tour at Anderson Speedway in their opening race for the season.
“Marty spent his life racing but above all else the thing he treasured most was his family that he loved beyond measure,” his obituary said. “And with all the accomplishments in his life, his greatest accomplishment was to know that his son would soon to be a Graduate of Clemson University.”
Ward is survived by his mother; his son, Jacob Ward and his wife of 30 years, Gina Ward.
The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday at The Howze Mortuary, at 6714 State Park Road in Travelers Rest.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Clearview Baptist Church, at 5611 State Park Road, also in Travelers Rest. Burial will be private.
Anderson Motor Speedway plans to honor Ward’s memory by making its limited late-model Shrine Race 97 laps.
The race is set for Saturday, Aug. 26.
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