Henry Mattox Ward, Jr.

Henry Mattox Ward, Jr., age 86, of Live Oak, FL, passed away Sunday, September 7, 2025, at his home. He was born in Luraville, FL on April 23, 1939. He was legally emancipated at the age of 15 by his father so he could sign checks, contracts, and conduct business as an adult.

Mattox was very active in FFA throughout his years at Suwannee High and was awarded the Presidential Award at the national FFA convention in Kansas City. 

Along with his father and brother, Francis, they built and operated Henry M. Ward & Sons, and Ward Enterprises. The businesses consisted of farming, raising brood cows, a feed lot, grass seed cleaner, grain elevators and dryers. They built and operated a fertilizer manufacturing facility in Branford.

He moved to Atlanta, GA in 1968 and went to work as a grain merchandiser at Gold Kist. He and a close friend, Tom Toohey, started Agricol of Georgia. In 1978 he moved his family back home to North Florida where he started his own grain company. Later he co-founded and co-owned Columbia Grain where he served as president until his retirement in 2017.

Mattox’s lifelong passion was breeding and raising the perfect herd of cows. His interests included bird hunting, deep sea fishing, weekends at Ponte Vedra Beach and he started every day reading his morning newspapers. Family dinners, sharing his memories and knowledge with his children and grandchildren were the things he cherished most.

He will be remembered as a generous man, a true southern gentleman who gave selflessly to family, friends, and the community.

He was predeceased by his parents, Henry Mattox Ward, Sr. and Doris Johnson Ward; one brother, Francis Ward.

He is survived by two sons, Marnie (Terri) Ward, Live Oak, FL and Darryl (Karin) Ward, Live Oak, FL; one daughter, Ashley Ward, Lake City, FL; one brother, Baynard (Judy) Ward, Lake City, FL; four grandchildren, Hank Ward, Brody (Abbie) Ward, Emma Ward and Spencer (Tyler) Todd; one great grandson, Rex Ward.

Funeral services will be held, 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 11, 2025, in the Philadelphia Baptist Church with Rev. Lonnie Johns and William Ward officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services from 10:00 until 11:00 at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Advent Christian Village, Philadelphia Baptist Church or Haven Hospice, 6037 Hwy 90 West, Lake City, FL 32055.

Please keep the family in your prayers today and the days ahead.