Charles David Ward

ROCKY MOUNT – On Sunday, April 23, 2023, Charles David Ward left this earth to be with his wife, Nell, and daughter, Charlotte, in heaven. Born in Nash County, NC on May 31, 1925, he was the son of the late Garcie Phillip “G.P.” Ward and Lula Mae Smith Ward. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Nell Martin Ward; his daughter, Charlotte Lynn Ward; his sister, Geraldine Ward Hunter; and his brother, Moody Hanes Ward. Charles was truly a member of the “greatest generation”, having enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II at the age of 18 immediately after his graduation from Rocky Mount Senior High. Charles served 22 months on the destroyer USS Tarbell. After the war, he returned to Rocky Mount and married the love of his life, Nell Martin. Into this union, three children were born; Nancy, Julie, and Charlotte. Charles and Nell were married 65 years until Nell’s passing in 2015. Charles was a devoted father to his three daughters, always supportive of them throughout their lives. In 1960, he left his employer to start his own business. With two young children and one on the way, he took a tremendous leap of faith leaving his job and going out on his own. Charles’s father loaned him funds to purchase a used pick-up truck, and Ward’s Appliance became a reality. In October 1974, a fire swept through the building creating substantial damage and destroying most of the contents. Within a matter of days, Charles and Nell reopened the store in a temporary location. They moved back into the original location in the late spring of 1975, where they remained until closing the business in April, 2016. Charles and Nell worked together in the business for over 55 years. Through the years, many customers walked through the door at Ward’s Appliance and received the help they needed. When Charles was out in public, former customers would come up to him telling stories about how Ward’s Appliance had helped them. Many people referred to him as the “appliance man”. Charles was truly devoted to his church, St. Paul United Methodist, and served St. Paul in a number of leadership roles throughout his membership. Whatever was needed, Charles heeded the call, serving as Chair of the Administrative Board, Head of the Pastor Parrish Committee, and Head of the Finance Committee, among others. By far, his most demanding role was Chair of the Building Committee. In this capacity, Charles worked tirelessly in the late 1970’s and 1980’s to oversee the relocation, financing, and construction of the new church building, fulfilling the vision of creating a beautiful state-of-the-art facility. The large cross extending down the front of the sanctuary’s interior was donated in his honor. Charles truly enjoyed the fellowship of his Sunday School class, the Joy Group, and the Methodist Men group. His beloved St. Paul Choir held a very special place in his heart. Charles was blessed with a beautiful mellow bass voice. For over six decades, he rarely missed a Wednesday night choir practice, resulting in over 60 years of beautiful weekly anthems each Sunday as well as annual Christmas and Easter productions. Charles decided to give golf a try at the age of 40 and was quickly hooked for life, continuing to play in some capacity even up until age 95. Throughout his 55 years of playing golf, he made several holes-in-one. Charles was a long-time member of Birchwood Country Club, joining in the mid-1960’s, and playing golf there regularly. After retiring, he enjoyed playing several times each week with a group of Seniors at both Birchwood and Northgreen Golf Club. Some of his favorite memories on the golf course included playing with his family and friends at North Shore Country Club near North Topsail Beach. Charles is survived by his daughters, Nancy Proctor and husband, Russell, of Rocky Mount and Julie Crocker and husband, Tommy, of Cary; his grandchildren whom he adored, Amanda Proctor Mullen and husband, Kai, of Raleigh, Lee Proctor and wife, Katy, of Raleigh, and Spencer Crocker and McKenzie Crocker of Cary; his great-grandchildren Blair Mullen, Lucy Mullen, and Mary Kate Proctor; his brother, Larry Milford Ward and wife, Lynn, of Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews. Charles was also close to his golf and Saturday breakfast friends Jim Viverette and Scoop and Susie Jackson as well as his long-time friends Wayne Webb and Irene Moody. The family would like to thank his devoted caregivers Bernetta Stokes, Estelle Cooper, Doretha Davis, and Rosetta Williams. (They were truly “Charlie’s angels”). A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park, followed by a celebration of Charles’s life at 2:00 PM at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1217 Bethlehem Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. A reception with the family will be held at Benvenue Country Club at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1217 Bethlehem Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.