Olin Cleve Ward

Olin Cleve Ward, known to some as “Hotrod,” age 73, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away on September 24, 2026, after a battle with cancer. Born March 23, 1953, Olin was a lifelong resident of the area.

Olin had a lifelong love for anything with an engine. Cars, race cars, and motorcycles were among his greatest interests, and Bowman Gray Stadium held a special place in his heart. He was also an avid music lover with a particular appreciation for old country music and songs that told a story—music with meaning, feeling, and something real behind it.

Those who knew Olin knew a man who was uniquely himself. He was a man of faith. His life was not always an easy one, and neither was loving him at times, but those who remained closest to him knew the person beyond life’s struggles. They knew his personality, his passions, his stories, and the parts of him that could never quite be captured on paper. He was loved through the complicated times as well as the good ones, and he leaves behind people who remained by his side until the end.

Olin is survived by his only child, Angie Ward Priddy (Paxton Priddy); his two grandchildren, Vincent Brinkley (Cedric Myers) and Peyton Priddy; his girlfriend, Trish; his beloved nephews, Dale Ward (Kathy Ward) and Danny Ward (Beverly Ward); and his niece, Diane Ward, whose love, care, and support meant a great deal to him throughout his life and illness.

Olin now joins those who went before him: his parents, John Frank Winston Ward and Pearl Marie Leftwich Ward; and his siblings, Ila Mae Ward, Lula Fae Ward, Everett Franklin Ward, Robert Gene Ward, Glen Samuel Ward, and Ethel Marie Ward.

In accordance with Olin’s wishes, his family will honor his life with a private celebration of life at a later date. Affordable Cremations of Winston-Salem is assisting the family with arrangements.

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