Walter Thomas Ward

CORTLANDT MANOR, N.Y. - Walter Thomas Ward was born Jan. 14, 1939, in Hampton, Va., to the late Jacob and Sarah Shields Ward. To family and friends he was affectionately called 'Fuzzy.' On Nov. 28, 2007, he departed this life at home while in Phelps Hospice Care.
At the age of 11, Mr. Ward accepted Christ, was baptized and became a member of Queen Street Baptist Church under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. George S. Russell. Mr. Ward later became a member of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, where he faithfully served for 28 years. For 12 of those years, he served as Trustee Board Chairman. He also volunteered with the Mount Lebanon Food Pantry Ministry.
Mr. Ward attended Hampton public school, and graduated from
George P. Phenix High School. He received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Hampton (Institute) University (Virginia). He went on to earn a Masters of Science in Education from Manhattan College (New York).
During his undergraduate college years, Mr. Ward played basketball setting scoring records there. He was drafted by the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Capitols to play professional basketball, but was required to accept the military draft. He served in the United States Army as a Physical Activities Specialist and Athletic Coach in Wildwood Station, Kenai, Alaska. After his tour of duty with the Army, Mr. Ward continued to play his favorite sport in the Rucker Professional Basketball Tournament, the Eastern Professional Basketball League, and various tournaments throughout the Tri-State area. Later in life his love of sports led him to become an avid tennis player.
On Aug. 22, 1964, he was joined in holy matrimony with Lorraine Scott in East Elmhurst, N.Y. He resided in Cortlandt Manor for 35 years and was a loving husband and father. Dedicating his life to excellence in education for 32 years, Mr. Ward taught in the New York City Public Schools (Queens); Children's' Village, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., and BOCES, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.
Mr. Ward was preceded in death by twin sister, Juanita; a sister, Verdell; three brothers, James, Melton and Calvin.
Along with his wife of 43 years, he leaves to cherish and rejoice in his memory two sons, Kenneth of Raleigh, N.C., and Donald of Columbia, Md.; grandson, Sterling; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rodgers and Naomi of Atlanta, Ga., Leon and Freda of Enterprise, Ala., Carrie of Queens Village, N.Y.; and a host of relatives and friends.
A celebration of life service will be held at noon Monday, Dec. 3, at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, Peekskill, N.Y. Viewing will be held prior to the service from 11 a.m. to noon. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.
Arrangements by Jeremiah Edwards Funeral Home, Peekskill, N.Y.