Robert Earl Ward: Whiteville

1938 – 2026

     Robert Earl Ward of Whiteville passed peacefully on April 10, surrounded by his loving family. He was 87.

     He was born on Oct. 26, 1938, in the Williams Township community of Columbus County. He was the middle sibling of five children and the only son born to the late Joshua Ward and Retha Belle Cartrette Ward.

     On March 18, 1962, Robert married the love of his life, Jean Gore Ward of Whiteville. Together they shared 64 devoted years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

     Robert attended Williams Township School and graduated from high school in 1957. He was a hardworking man whose life reflected dedication, perseverance, and pride in honest work.

     Early in his career, he worked for A&P Grocery Stores and later for DuPont. He also spent many years farming, reflecting his deep connection to the land. He ultimately found his true calling in excavating, land clearing, and digging ponds, where he spent more than 50 years building a reputation for skill, reliability, and craftsmanship. Robert often said he made his living “out of dirt,” a simple phrase that reflected both his humility and his deep pride in the work he loved.

     Robert was a devoted lifelong member of Beaverdam Original Free Will Baptist Church in Chadbourn, North Carolina. One of his greatest honors was helping prepare the foundation for the church’s new sanctuary. He also faithfully served the church as Superintendent and Church Clerk, two roles that reflected his deep commitment to his faith and church family and which he considered among his most meaningful accomplishments.

     He leaves a lasting legacy through the strength, love, and example he provided to his family. Robert was a man of few words, but his actions spoke loudly through an unmatched work ethic and deep devotion to those he loved.

     Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Jean Gore Ward; his son, Robert Ward, Jr. (Robbie) and wife Marsha Ward; his daughter, Dawn Ward Buck and husband Steve Buck; grandchildren Derek Ward and wife Hayley Ward, Daniel Buck and wife Lily Buck, and Peyton Blackwell and husband Nolan Blackwell; great-grandchildren, Isaac Ward, Ronan Ward, and Pete Buck; two loving sisters, Mabel Gore of Wilmington and Margaret Woodard of Rocky Point; a d brother-in-law John Byrd of Chadbourn.

     Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Joshua Ward and Retha Belle Cartrette Ward; his sisters, Mildred Edge and Veda Byrd; and a special brother, Harold “Hubby” Ward.

     A visitation was planned for 2 p.m. Monday, April 13, at Beaverdam Original Free Will Baptist Church, Chadbourn, followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m., interment following at McPherson Cemetery.

     Family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, love, and support shown during this time.

     Sign a guest register here.