John Howard Ward: Clarendon

1944 – 2023

     John Howard Ward of Clarendon went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, while in the McLeod Seacoast hospital in Little River. He was 78.

     John Howard was born Oct. 25, 1944, a son of the late John H. Ward and Erma Harrelson Ward. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Ward Stocks.

     John Howard was a faithful, lifelong member of Lebanon Methodist Church, where he served in various roles throughout the years. He was a member of the Tabor City Masonic Lodge #563, of which he just received his 50 year pin, and a member of the Kiwanis Club of Columbus County.

     John Howard also held a 40 plus year career in the insurance industry.

     To cherish his memory, John Howard leaves behind his loving wife, Gail Carteret Ward of the home; a son, Jason Howard Ward and wife Anita of Cedar Grove; a daughter, Renita Ward Singletary and husband Richard of Whiteville; grandchildren Charlotte Ward, Johnathan Ward, Reagan Singletary and wife, Rebekah, Reid Singletary, Reuben Singletary, and Rachel Singletary; and his brother, William “Bill” Ward and wife Janice of Loris.

     Visitation was planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Worthington Funeral Home, Chadbourn.

     Funeral services were planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Lebanon Methodist Church, burial following in the church cemetery, with Masonic rites.

     One of John Howard’s desires was to see his granddaughter, Rachel, have a room to accommodate her special needs, so in lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to “Rachel’s Room” – PO Box 1125 Whiteville, NC 28472 or donations can be made through the Go-Fund-Me link here.

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