Adam Ward was tragically taken from this world on Wednesday, August 26, 2015. He was a bright light in our lives for 27 wonderful years.Adam was born on May 10, 1988, to Charles “Buddy” and Mary Lou Speas Ward of Daleville. Although he grew up in Botetourt with his sister and brother, Sarah and Jay, he was truly a Salem Spartan, born and bred. From childhood, he loved Salem sports, especially football, and joined his father, a guidance counselor at Salem High School, as a 7th grader in the school system. After high school, he fulfilled another dream by becoming a proud member of the Hokie Nation. Adam was the one with the painted chest in 20 degree weather screaming the loudest from the end zone. While at Tech, he discovered a passion for journalism and interned on the Greg Roberts Radio Show and at WDBJ-7, which eventually led to a full-time role post-graduation. It was there that he met his fiancée and the love of his life, Melissa Ott, of Gibbstown, N.J. They were together for a little over two years and were planning to get married in July 2016.Adam was known throughout the Roanoke Valley as a loyal and giving friend, a champion for the underdog, and someone who lived every day to the fullest. Everyone who met him instantly loved him. We’ll always remember his smile and laughter.He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, who we know are spoiling him rotten right now.He is survived by his loving father and mother, Buddy and Mary Ward; sister and brother-in-law, Sarah and Dave Crowder; brother, Jay Ward; fiancée, Melissa Ott; and niece, Olivia, or “tater tot” as her uncle Adam affectionately called her. He is also survived by numerous uncles and aunts; cousins; and a host of friends he considered family.