Robert Roy Ward, Sr., a distinguished Certified Public Accountant, community leader, and devoted servant of Mississippi, was born on March 21, 1940, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the fourth son of Louise Miller Ward and Arthur Lanier Ward. A 1958 graduate of Oak Grove High School, Roy earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1962, beginning a professional career that would span more than four decades and leave a lasting impact on the accounting profession throughout the Southeast.

In May 1966, Roy joined Wm. F. Horne & Company in Laurel, Mississippi, after gaining experience in industry and with the Jackson accounting firm of Miazza, DeMiller, Word & Co. He passed the CPA Exam in 1966 and received CPA certificate number, which bore the lucky number 1313. Roy became a partner at Horne in 1971 and was named managing partner in 1977. Through his vision, leadership, commitment to excellence, and strong foundation of values, he guided the firm's growth from a single office with approximately ten employees into Horne CPA Group, a regional organization with more than 200 employees and offices across Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Louisiana. At the time of his retirement in 2008 as Chairman Emeritus, Horne was recognized as one of the top ten accounting and business advisory firms in the Southeast and among the top fifty firms in the nation.

A dedicated leader within the accounting profession, Roy served as President of the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) during 1999–2000 and also served as Treasurer of the Society. He chaired the Management Advisory Services Committee, Healthcare Services Committee, and numerous other committees. Following his presidency, he continued his service through the Society's Building Committee, which culminated in the purchase of the current MSCPA headquarters in Ridgeland in 2005, and later helped guide the organization's leadership transition in 2015. As a gift commemorating the Society's 80th anniversary, Roy commissioned a commemorative poster by Jackson artist Mark Millet, which remains displayed at the Society's offices. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the profession and community, he received the MSCPA Public Service Award in 2008.

He was active in the Southeast Chapter of MSCPA and served as the Society’s treasurer and as chairman of the MAS Committee, the Healthcare Services Committee, and on several other committees. Ward remembers the most controversial event of his Society presidency was whether to move the annual meeting from Sandestin, where it had been held for 15 years, to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The arguments in favor of the move were that the organization would be supporting the State of Mississippi, instead of Florida, and members could gamble at the casinos. It was the gambling part of the argument that was controversial, and the proposal was defeated; the convention would remain in Sandestin where the 2020 centennial celebration was held.

Beyond accounting, Roy was deeply committed to civic and educational leadership. He served multiple terms as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mississippi College, chaired the boards of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Association, and Junior Achievement, and served as President of the Rotary Club of Jackson. A Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, he also represented Mississippi small businesses during a three-year term on the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Advisory Board. He was active in the Mississippi Economic Council, the Andrew Jackson Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and Preserve Sight Mississippi, where he and his wife, Mary Evelyn, received the People of Vision Award in 2004.

Roy's many accomplishments earned widespread recognition. He was inducted into the Mississippi Business Hall of Fame, received Goodwill Industries' Volunteer of the Year Award in 2000, and was honored with Mississippi College's Award of Excellence in 2011. In tribute to his influence and support, a room in the Business School at his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi, bears his name.

A man of deep Christian faith, Roy faithfully served First Baptist Church Jackson for more than 30 years. He was a life deacon, past chairman of the Deacon Body, and served in numerous other leadership and servant roles. Those who knew him remember his humility, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Roy Ward retired from Horne in 2008 after 42 years with the firm and 46 years in the accounting profession. Even in retirement, he remained active in business, charitable endeavors, and community service. Throughout his life, he touched countless lives through his leadership, compassion, and dedication to faith, family, profession, and community.

Robert Roy Ward, Sr. passed away on May 28, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service, integrity, and leadership that will continue to inspire future generations.