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; and his daughter, Karen and husband, Craig Garriss, of Kitty Hawk. Also surviving are his sister, Sarah Ward Carver of Jacksonville, Fla.; 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 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.
Family and friends may send condolences and sign the online guestbook by visiting www.garrettjonesfh.com.