John David Ward

John David Ward, 54, of Elizabethtown jumped into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at Elizabethtown Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center with his mother by his side.

John was born on November 22, 1970 to Herbert Ward and Myrtle Smith Ward in Elizabethtown where he lived his entire life at home with his family. John was a devoted follower of Jesus and loved the Lord with all his heart. John never just lived, he was an old soul who loved life, living each day in happiness, loving humor and daily optimism.

John was a collector and his many collections in life included his precious angels. He loved every family pet and treated each one as his best friend. John loved being an uncle to his niece and nephew and took his role with much pride and joy. He did not miss an opportunity to play a game of basketball, checkers or PlayStation college football. John loved being at home but would venture out to attend Walker’s baseball games or an occasional out to eat meal. He knew precisely family birthdays, phone numbers and full names. John always had the most highly organized rooms in the house, never missed a mail delivery, and could always be counted on to monitor the home phone. John kept meticulous records when it came to his favorite television shows, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and his love for cartoons always showed he remained a child at heart. John’s participation in Special Olympics were a highlight of his school years but his favorite moment was when he proudly walked the stage of East Bladen High School in June of 1992 receiving his high school certificate, an achievement marking his many years of attending Bladen County Schools. He was a precious son, a loving little brother and proud best man, a caring nephew, a devoted uncle, the sweetest brother-in-law and a friendly, kind person to everyone he met.

John was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Ward. He is survived by his mother, Myrtle Smith Ward and companion Mack “Buddy” Osborne; his brother, Herbert Ward Jr. (Sara); his half-brother, George Richard "Buster" Ward, his niece, Ruth Anne Ward; and his nephew, George Walker Ward. He is also survived by his favorite cousin/sister, Beverly Smith Davis (Tommy).

In celebration of John’s life, the family will hold a graveside service on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM, at Bladen Memorial Gardens, NC Hwy 242 S, Elizabethtown, NC. Service will be conducted by the Reverend Carey Horrell.