Search by Name

Search by Name

Larry Ward Obituary


Larry N. Ward HOBBSVILLE - Larry Nixon Ward, 61, of the 1100 block of Acorn Hill Road, died April 29, 2008, in Sentara CarePlex, Hospital, Hampton, Va. Mr. Ward was born in Gates County and was the son of the late Julian and Beulah Nixon Ward. A highway construction inspector with the Virginia Department of Transportation, he was a member of Sandy Cross Baptist Church and had served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ann Baker and a brother, Melvin Ward. Surviving are his wife of nearly 39 years, Marie Moore Ward; his son, Brian Christopher Ward of Chapel Hill, N.C.; two sisters, Margie Stallings and Dorothy Stallings, both of Belvidere; four brothers, Earl Ward of Hobbsville and Bobby Ward of Raleigh, Vernon Ward of Graham and Roger Ward of Sunbury; and his beloved feline companion, Daisy. The funeral will be held Thursday at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main St., Gatesville, by the Rev. E. Vernon Gilmer Jr. Burial will follow in the Sandy Cross Baptist Church Cemetery. Friends may join the family in the social hall of the church following graveside rites Thursday and all other times at the residence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 870 Greenbrier Circle, Greenbrier Tower II, Suite 404, Chesapeake, VA 23320.
Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Apr. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Ward

Not sure what to say?





21 Entries

In loving memory of Larry

May 29, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Kevin, Tammy, Anna, Anthony, and Andrew Trotter

May 29, 2008

Dear Papa Larry,

If only we had the chance to see you one last time. We would tell you just how much we love you, we would hug you oh so tight. We would tell you that you have been a true blessing in our lives. We would tell you that you have such a big heart, phenomenal work ethic and even better family life. We would tell you just how much we admire you. We would tell you that we have learned so much from you. We would tell you that you have made our lives so great. The conversation would never end because there aren’t enough words or the right words to explain how much we love you.

Papa Larry, we miss you more than words can express! It's hard to believe that it has been a month, today, since you became our guardian angel. It's hard to believe that you're with the Lord. We talk about all of the beautiful memories we have with you on a daily basis; from tractor rides, walks, the zoo in Virginia, reading the paper with Anthony next to you, you reading the same book over and over to the kids, to the stories the kids have told you. The list is never ending. All three children express their love for you. Anna has mentioned, on countless occasions that you are looking out for us. She understands death and Heaven more than we thought she did. She is an amazing little girl who has learned a hard lesson at such an early age. We have all learned just how precious life is and not to take one minute for granted. We appreciate life so much more and cherish every moment. We miss you so very much and we know that you are protecting us. We love you so much Papa and you will always live in our hearts. We will always be there for Grandma Marie and Uncle Brian, as we always have! We will help them through this difficult time; we will love them and cherish them always!

With GREAT love,

Judy Coldwell

May 29, 2008

This is such a wonderful way to see how Larry is loved by so many people. Larry and Marie have featured in my life for over 40 years as they welcomed me into their family. I will miss him so much although we didn't see each other that often but we will visit him when we come to Hobbsville in July this year. Marie and Brian know that this comes from my heart.

Dan Tate

May 4, 2008

I had the pleasure of working with Larry on occasion.

Bud Jacobson

May 2, 2008

I had the pleasure of working with Larry on a couple of projects. He taught me many things and was always there to help. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. May the lord embrace and comfort you at this time.

Heather Neal

May 2, 2008

Even though I had only recently gotten to know Larry here at VDOT, it only took a moment with him to realize what a truly precious gift he was to us all. I'm really going to miss seeing his little truck parked outside my window. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sue Helvestine

May 2, 2008

To my good friends Larry and Marie. Larry, thank you for giving me the opportunity to know you. I will truly miss you. My memories of you will always be close to my heart.
Marie, please know that you'll never be alone. You now have a special guardian angel.

Tammy and Kevin Trotter

May 1, 2008

Larry has been a true father-figure to Kevin and I for many, many years. We will always have beautiful memories of Larry!! We cherish his love for us. Papa Larry loved our three children more than life itself. You could always see the sparkle in his eye as he watched the children. They are so blessed to have had Papa Larry in their lives and continue to be greatly blessed with Grandma Marie and Uncle Brian. Papa Larry, you will live on in our hearts forever. You are our protector and guardian angel! You are missed so much and always will be. We love you oh so much!

Joan Rountree

May 1, 2008

Marie, just wanted you to know, how sorry, i am. You and Brian, are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lisa Taylor-Cross

May 1, 2008

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Nelson and Rhonda Byrum

May 1, 2008

Sorry to know that a loved one has passed. It is not an easy task for the one left behind, but with our faith of the Lord, we do manage. Family and friends mean so much at a time like this. Keep the faith and know that others care also.

Rich Lefler

May 1, 2008

I don't have the words to express the loss of Larry. He was more family than friend, I have been truly blessed to have shared the years of memories that he helped create and I'll always carry them with me.

Mark Cacamis

May 1, 2008

Mr. Ward was a trusted employee. He was a faithful, dependable, and hard working man. He was one of the great multitude of contributors that have made this the greatest nation on earth.

District Construction Engineer
Virginia Department of Transportation

Barbara Constantino

April 30, 2008

I have not had the pleasure of working with Mr. Ward on this VDOT project very long, but I have come to know him as an outstanding professional gentlemen with a quick whit, a pleasent smile and the wonderful ability to make you feel as if you had known him for a long time.
These traits have served him well.
He is already missed by many. You and your family have our heart felt sympathy for your loss. Our prayers are with you.

Site Manager Round Bay

Mitch Layton

April 30, 2008

It has been my pleasure and honor to have worked with Larry over the past 20 years. I will miss him tremendously. My heart goes out to his family.

WILLIAM HARRIS

April 30, 2008

I Worked with Larry on the VDOT Virginia Beach Blvd.project. He was a big help to me.
So sorry to hear of your loss.

Bill Harris-Dominion Virginia Power

Susan Leccia

April 30, 2008

It was a pleasure to meet Larry and even though I only knew him for a short time, he was a very kind man. My prayers are with the family.

Eric Kevitz

April 30, 2008

It was my pleasure to have spent time with Larry at VDOT, even if it was just a short time for me. I always enjoyed our conversations and will miss him very much.

Horace & Ann Stallings

April 30, 2008

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Betty Bailey

April 30, 2008

My thoughts are with your family. I worked with Larry at VDOT and am very fond of him, what a great guy. He will truly be missed by his co-workers.

Kathy Hurdle

April 30, 2008

Marth and Brian -
So sorry to see that you have lost Larry. I know it must really be hard to lose him so early. I'll always remember riding the school bus and sitting with him and talking to him. He was always such a sweet guy. I always remember him with sweet memories. Take care - Love, Kathy

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Make a Donation
in Larry Ward's name

How to support Larry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Larry Ward's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more