Phillip Jonathan Ward

GREENVILLE – Phillip Jonathan Ward, age 27, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 29, 2023. He was born in Middlesex County, NJ on August 8, 1996. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John Benjamin Ward and Carole Audrey Tanner Ward and his maternal grandfather, Frank Fok Woo Cheng. Phil or Philly as he was lovingly called was a bright light to all who knew him. Always the precious and loving son, the supportive brother, uncle and nephew, the respectful grandson, the loyal friend – he was an inspiration to many people, from strangers he just met to his many friends and family of all ages. Philly was an alumnus of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He worked diligently as a professional in the corporate finance field, but his true passions were music, singing, dancing, writing and photography. His hobbies included meditation, yoga, fitness, and gardening. He has always been a nature enthusiast who loved to travel all over the world. Throughout his life, he visited many international destinations, including explorations to Switzerland, France, England, Italy, Mexico, Costa Rica and most recently returned from the islands of Greece. He also enjoyed traveling along the East coast and in his home state of North Carolina, visiting the pristine and beautiful mountains of the west and the surfs of the coastal waters. He was always up for new adventures, new experiences, and a good time, yet sought serenity in peaceful environments and landscapes, where he would find tranquility in hiking and watching sunsets. Philly had an enormous and giving heart, an abundance of generosity, and an even bigger smile. Whether it was helping on the family farm that he loved, or dropping whatever he was doing to be there for a friend, he was always willing to support those in need. He was the most nurturing dog Dad to his beloved Lulu and cherished the time they had together creating unforgettable memories and an unbreakable bond. His motto to live by was “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) and he did just that by grabbing life by the horns and living it to the fullest. He lived freely and of his own will, never a follower, always a doer, no excuses. He remained optimistic, always looking for the good in every situation and giving it his all, even if it seemed unattainable. He will be profoundly missed by his most treasured family and friends, remembered for his contagious hearty laughs and the embrace of his warm welcoming hugs and his dynamic energy, which inspires us all as we are left without his physical presence. May he rest in peace and God be with him. Phillip is survived by his parents, John Charles Ward and Linda Wai Cheng Ward; his brother, Stephen Ward; his sisters, Taryn Seidner and husband Jason, Jenna Malich and husband Patrik, Sydney Kong and fiancé Michael Goggins, and Bridget Ward; his maternal grandmother, Ai Chen Cheng; his nephews and nieces, Lucas, Addison, and Cassidy Seidner and Connor Malich; paternal aunts and uncles, Robert Faller and wife Carole, Sue Rutt-Rowlands and husband Jon, Tami Bellwood and husband Craig, and Tracy Morano and husband Mark; maternal aunts and uncles, Jennie Ling and husband John, Wai Ging Leo and husband Donald, Judi Cheng, Richard Cheng, Lisa Lopez and husband Mark; and his 27 cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Phillip on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Visitation with the family will be held the evening before on Friday, November 10, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following charities, The Phillip Jonathan Ward Memorial Fund, www.everloved.com/life-of/phillip-ward, The National Alliance on Mental Illness “NAMI”, online at www.nami.org or by mail to PO Box 49104, Baltimore, MD 21297, Equality North Carolina, online at www.equalitync.org or by mail to P.O. Box 12581, Durham, NC 27709, or to the Humane Society of Eastern North Carolina, online at www.hsecarolina.org or by mail to 3520 Tupper Drive, Greenville, NC 27834. 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.