AHOSKIE – Timothy Elder Ward, known to his many friends as T.E., died Monday, May 10, 2010, after a brief illness.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Coggins Ward; his son, Tim and wife, Laura of Greensboro, NC; and his daughter, Karen and husband, Craig Garriss of Kitty Hawk, NC. Also surviving are his sister, Sarah Ward Carver of Jacksonville, FL; and his brother, Gordon Ward of Bossier City, LA. Grandchildren are Charles Ward of Raleigh, Caroline Ward of Greensboro, and Samantha Garriss of Kitty Hawk.
After serving overseas in World War II, T.E. returned to Suffolk, VA where he traveled for American Bank & Trust Co. In 1949, he moved to Ahoskie, when he became a partner in Ahoskie Motor Co. Seeing the need for another local bank, he was instrumental in starting a branch of Planters National Bank. He held positions on the board of directors and executive committee in Rocky Mount and on the board of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. From 1963 to 1983, he was secretary treasurer for E. R. Evans & Sons, Inc. In 1983, T.E. became secretary treasurer of E.L.E., Inc.
Not only was he actively involved in the business and professional life of his town, he also served the community in other ways: as a 16 year member of the Town Council; president of the Chamber of Commerce; and a member of the Ahoskie Industrial Development Commission. He was a long-time faithful member of First Baptist Church Ahoskie and the Radio Bible Class.
Life in the small town was not all work and no play. He was an avid golfer at the local Beechwood Country Club, where he and his wife Ruth attended many social functions. A good friend who was following his fancy moves to the music said, ‘If you can’t dance with T.E., you can’t dance’.
Many in his wide circle of friends would say of him: ‘He was a true gentleman: polite, kind, thoughtful, loving, and generous”.
The family will receive friends at the home. A memorial service will be conducted on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at Garrett-Jones Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, P.O. Box 649, Ahoskie, NC, 27910.
Am sorry for tall lost may god be with tall it just amazes me that we have the same exact name god bless
Ruth C, Karen, and Tim, Dad and I just recently found out about the passing of TE. He was such a dear man and always so wonderful to me. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray for strength and comfort for you.
Much love,
Kyle Lassiter Pace
We are so sorry to hear of T.E.’s passing. Our memories of T.E. and Ruth are joyous and inspiring. Thanks T.E. and Ruth so much for being a part of our lives.
Charles and Mary Lillie
Ruth,Karen and
Tim
I just heard today from Marianne Miller
about the death of your husband and
father. I am so sorry. My sincere sympathy to you.
The fond stories of Mr. Ward will go on and on. I heard one today and I am 150 miles from Ahoskie.
Dear Karen and Family,
I work with Karen and have followed through her T.E.’s illness and hospitalization. Karen’s stories of home and her father were so precious–I could feel the love she had for him. I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray for you and the family.
With love and empathy,
Dr. Pat
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your faimly during this time of greif.
Karen and Family
Just heard about your Father. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to call.
We Love you,
Diane and Todd Garriss
Dear Ruth, Karen, Tim and Family,
Am so sorry to hear about your husband, father and grandfather to everyone. The obituary was lovely. I know all of you will remember the good times and please be thankful he did not go through a long and painful illness. Believe me it is a blessing. Hope to see you tomorrow. If not I will be in touch. Dan sends his regards also.
Lisa Odom
Karen, I am sorry about the death of your father. I remember the many times we were at your home during our high school years and your father was there being the nice, wonderful man he was. He was so nice to us. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Debbie Bazemore Speight