He was born in St. Louis to James Edward Smith who survives in St. Louis and LaManthia L. Ward who survives in Peoria, Illinois. He was married on February 6, 1998 in Jefferson City to Christina Y. Sayles who survives at the home. Other survivors include five sons, Johnny Ward, Jr., San Diego, California; and Jordan Ward, Jaron Ward, Jamal Ward, and Orlando Ward, all of Jefferson City; three daughters, Shonte Ward, San Diego, California; and Johnetta Ward and Jonte Ward, both of Champaign, Illinois; four brothers, James Ward, Dixon, Illinois; and Roy Ward, Stephen Ward, and Prodion Ward, all of Peoria, Illinois; and three sisters, Xatonya Ward and Stephanie Ward, both of Peoria, Illinois; and Dorlita Adams, St. Louis. He was preceded in death by a sister, Titolanda Ward. He was employed as a cook at Smitty's Restaurant and Perkins Restaurant in Champaign, Illinois. Memorials are suggested to the Johnny Ward Memorial Fund.