William Whitehead Ward

Rocky Mount – William Whitehead Ward, age 71, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.  Born in Nash County, NC on March 15, 1954, he was the son of the late Richard Quillen Ward, Sr. and Josephine Whitehead Ward.

A man of great faith, William was a member of First Presbyterian Church and attended Lakeside Baptist Church along with his wife, Jill.  A graduate of Rocky Mount Senior High, he also attended North Carolina State University.  William’s career was spent working for Hardee’s Food Systems, The Powder Keg, and as a gunsmith.  A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and good friend, William will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

William is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jill Carpenter Ward; his sons, Brandon Edward Ward and Marshall Philips Ward and wife, Ashley; his granddaughter, Maddie Ward; his brothers, Richard Quillen Ward, Jr. and wife, Anne and Robert Crawford Ward and wife, Brenda; his sister and brother in law, Jo and Bobby Webb; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and good friends.

A Celebration of Life Service to celebrate William’s life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary of Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Ave, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Dr. Jody Wright, Dr. Libby Grammer, and Dr. Elizabeth Edwards officiating.  Following the service, the family will receive friends in the Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in William’s name to the Lakeside Baptist Church Legacy Fund, 1501 Sunset Ave, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

The Ward family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and especially to Janice, Susan, Lea, Jessica, and Jackie for their unwavering love, care, and support of William and his family during his last days.

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.