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GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Specialist Matthew W. Ward, 23, died unexpectedly Saturday, June 6, 2009, while serving on active duty in the U.S. Army.

Matthew was born June 6, 1986, at Fort Bragg, N.C. He attended school in Pittsfield and later graduated from Chestatee High School in Gainesville, Ga., in 2004. Matthew was a diagnostic calibration specialist assigned to the 632nd Maintenance Company, 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in Fort Stewart, Ga. Matthew recently returned from a 15-month deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Matthew's family was an important part of his life and he especially enjoyed his summers in New Hampshire to spend time with them. Matthew was a positive role model to his siblings and cousins and they all looked up to him. He proudly carried on the family tradition of serving in the armed forces. Matthew always had a smile on his face and was well liked by all who met him. He had a big, loving heart and an even bigger sense of humor. He was devoted and loyal to the protection and love of his family.

He leaves behind his father, Scott W. Ward and his wife, Donna, of Pittsfield; his mother, Virginia Lewis of Gainesville, Ga.; his sister, Melissa McKeen and her husband, Samuel, of Pittsfield; his brothers, Andrew, Evan and Wesley; his grandparents, Bradley W. Ward and his wife, Mary, of Port Charlotte, Fla.; grandmother, June Valentyn of Pittsfield; maternal grandmother, Joyce England of Gainesville, Ga.; great-grandfather LTC (R) Wendell F. Bennett and his wife, Cleo, of Largo, Fla. His extended family includes uncles, aunts and cousins located in Pittsfield, Gainesville, Ga., and Port Charlotte, Fla.

The full military honors funeral will be held tomorrow in Gainesville, Ga. The Rev. Brian Gower, pastor of Center Barnstead Christian Church will officiate the service.

A local memorial service will be held June 22 at 6 p.m. at the Center Barnstead Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in may be made to Center Barnstead Christian Church, P.O. Box 190, Center Barnstead, 03225.