Melvin “Sam” Ward was born in the afternoon February 22, 1954 the baby boy of Jody and Maude Ward of Stevenson, AL. He passed from this life on April 9, 2024. Melvin “Sam” lived his life in Stevenson where he raised his 4 kids. He is survived by his children, Marsha (Michael) Keel, Shelley (Nubb) Hampton; Rodney (Brandy) Ward, and Rivers Ward. He was blessed with 8 grandchildren, Olivia (Ryan) Bearden, Rayden (Kristan) Hampton, Sieanna (Mykel) Hampton, Shianna (Austin) Hampton, Michael Adam Keel, Nicholas Kyle (Mariah) Ward, Trinity Hampton, and Kylie Ward; 4 great grandchildren, Rylee Bearden, Maddox Hampton, Lanie Brooke Bearden, and Malachi Hampton; traveling buddy, Steve Hampton; sister, Freda Campbell; brothers, Kenneth (Rachel) Ward and James (Beverley) Ward. He goes on to join his parents, Maude and Jody Ward; 11 brothers and sisters and a host of family and friends. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-8 and the funeral will be 2 PM Thursday April 11, 2024 from the Valley Funeral Home Chapel in Stevenson. Burial will be in the Cawfield Cemetery.