WINTON, NC – William Preston Ward, Sr., age 75, of 114 Church Drive in Tunis, passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at the Lakeland Regional Hospital of Lakeland, FL.

William was born in Windsor, NC on July 4th, 1943 and was the child of the late William Thomas and Pauline Johnson Ward. He worked at Union Camp and later International Paper of Franklin, Virginia for 34 years until his retirement in 2004.

William was a member and a Deacon at Higher Ground Pentecostal Holiness Church in Ahoskie. He enjoyed his retirement years fishing with his friends and spending time with his children and grandchildren as well as active evangelism in the Ahoskie area with his Church.

William is survived by his sister, Patricia Ward Outlaw and husband Robert “Bobby” Outlaw of Ahoskie; a son, William Preston Ward, Jr. of Tunis; and two daughters, Melissa “Missy” Hargroves and husband, David of Lakeland, Florida and Heather Glisson and husband, Barry of Mobile, Alabama; a nephew, Ryan Outlaw; and a niece, Dana Outlaw. William had six grandchildren, Sara, Adison, Hannah, Matthew, Ross and Macy; and one great grandchild, Ella.

He was preceded in death by his lifelong best friend Alvin Roberson of Ahoskie. William also had many cousins and friends that he cared deeply for.

The family will receive friends Friday, September 21, 2018, from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC.

A celebration of life funeral service will be held Saturday, September 22, 2018, at 10:00 am at the Chapel of Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC, with Pastor Ray Faircloth, Sr. officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Ward family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.