Thomas Earl Ward Jr.

Thomas E. Ward Jr., 79, of Goldsboro, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at UNC Lenoir Health Care in Kinston.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro with burial to follow.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 2 until 2:45 p.m. at the funeral home.

He was born In Duplin County on July 15, 1943 to the late Thomas Earl and Louise Bizzell Ward.

“Tom” as he was affectionately known by family and friends was employed at Butterball (formerly known as Carolina Turkeys) as a Team Leader for many years. He then went on to retire from Walnut Creek Country Club. He was a hard worker and always strived to perform at his best. 

He was a dedicated husband and an extraordinary father. He was a loving and caring man who always made others feel like family. Spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandbabies brought him the greatest joy in life.

He loved basketball, wrestling and his Chevy truck. He was a compassionate person who loved to laugh. Even through his sickest days, he brought joy and laughter to others. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Cherished memories will remain forever in the hearts of his wife, Madica Everett Ward; daughters, Karen Holliday and Machelle Vann; son-in-law, Allen Vann; grandchildren, Jaffari Ward, Kadeshia Hash, Adarian Vann and Azavian Vann; great-grandchildren, Jakeir Ward, Ahmeir Hash, Aalayah Hash, Messiah Rivers and Kamden Hash; sister, Dorothy Smith; special nephews, Andrew Matthews and Eugene Sutton and other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Barbara Jean Ward and Elizabeth Everett and a special niece, Vanessa Ward Mitchell.

Services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.

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