Marion Louis Ward Jr., age 92, formerly a native of Horse Cave and Glasgow, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, in Murray, Kentucky. Mr. Ward also resided in Nashville TN, from the early 1970’s until 2015.
Born on January 31, 1934, he was the son of the late Louis Ward Sr. and Inez (Melloan) Ward. He is survived by his two sons, Marion Louis Ward III and Michael Lynn Ward, both of Glasgow. Mr. Ward was a man of extraordinary talent, creativity, and dedication whose life and work touched countless people throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. Above all else, he was an accomplished professional photographer and portrait painter whose career spanned more than 70 years.
At just 11 years old, he built his first darkroom and later took responsibility for his high school yearbook along with several neighboring Kentucky school yearbooks. His passion continued to grow, and in 1952, he opened his first photography studio.
His professional education began at the Winona School of Professional Photography, where he studied under distinguished photographers before continuing his studies with internationally renowned master photographer, artist, and author Adolf Fassbender. He also studied painting and artistic fundamentals under well-known Nashville artist and instructor Juanita Green Parks.
In addition to his acclaim for photographic excellence, Mr. Ward was widely respected as a portrait artist working in the fine tradition of oils. His freehand paintings required countless hours of dedication and can be found displayed in Nashville’s Federal Courthouse, Baptist Hospital, Women’s Club, and the historic Belle Meade Plantation. He served as the wedding photographer for the daughters of country music legend Johnny Cash and was commissioned to paint portraits of players for the Tennessee Titans. His works are also displayed in the Tennessee State Capitol, including a portrait of former Governor Ned Ray McWherter, along with numerous corporate and private collections.
Mr. Ward was also commissioned to paint for former Kentucky Governor Wallace Wilkinson. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, he served as the official photographer for former Kentucky Governor Louie Nunn.
Ward’s professional honors and credentials were numerous and prestigious. He earned the coveted Master of Photography degree, the Photographic Craftsman degree, and became the 21st photographer in the world to be named a Fellow in the American Society of Photographers in 1975. Kentucky Professional Photographers Association President 1967-68. Professional Photographers of America National Award 1963. He was also a member of the American Society of Portrait Artists and was one of only 60 artists certified by the American Portrait Society.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Mr. Ward enjoyed many lifelong passions. He was one of the charter members of the Mammoth Cave Amateur Ham Radio Club and, until his passing, was its only remaining charter member. He also loved flying his Cessna aircraft out of Moore Field in Glasgow. Marion was also avid in showing Tennessee Walking Horses during the 1960s, winning numerous awards throughout his years of competition.
Marion Louis Ward Jr. leaves behind a remarkable legacy of artistry, professionalism, and dedication. His talent, vision, and passion for his craft will continue to live on through the many portraits, photographs, and paintings he created throughout his lifetime.
No public services are scheduled.
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