Tarboro –

Gerald D. Ward, Sr., age 73, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Nash UNC Health Care in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. His journey began in Bertie County on October 24, 1950, as a son born to William Horace and Leola Strawbridge Ward. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William "Bill" Horace Ward, Jr. and niece, Mary Beth Cox.

He leaves a lifetime of memories for his devoted wife and best friend of fifty-four years, Brenda Ward; children, Gerald "Doug" Ward, Jr. (Jessica Ann Hustead) of Midlothian, Va, Jeffrey Charles "Jeff" Ward (Danielle) of Florida and Kelly Ward Measamer (Alex) of Rocky Mount; sister, Gayle Ward Rutledge (Pat) of Elizabeth City; niece, Ellen Ward Alford of Greenville and nephew, Mike Cox of Elizabeth City, along with a caring church family, many friends, and other extended relatives.

Gerald was especially proud of and adored his grandchildren, Aubrey Douglas Ward, Caitie Ward, Brent Measamer, Jordan Ward, Joshua Measamer, Micah Ward, and Charlie Measamer and Chase Measamer.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 4:30pm at Pender's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 3246 Howard Avenue Ext, Tarboro, NC 27886. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 3:00pm and other times at the home.