Elllis Sterling Ward, Jr., age 84, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Angel House, Lower Cape Fear Life Care, Whiteville, NC.  Sterling was born on September 27, 1937 in Columbus County to the late Ellis Sterling Ward and Nellie Gore Ward.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife; Barbara Jean Ward.

Sterling worked as a supervisor with Georgia Pacific for 27 years.  He was a member of Old Dock Methodist Church.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter; Cathy W. Simmons (Lynn) of Chadbourn, NC, two sons; Robert Ward (Melinda) and David Ward (Kay) both of Whiteville, NC, two sisters; Faye Gore of Nakina, NC and Blanche W. Marlowe of Whiteville, NC, four grandchildren; Robert Ward, Jr, Justin Ward, Christina W. Clark, and Amber Simmons, and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022, at 3:00 pm at Old Dock Methodist Church with Rev. Ken Sides officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm prior to the service.

McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson St., Whiteville, NC is serving the Ward Family.