Ezekiel Ward Jr.

While reviewing the pages of the life of his children left here on earth, God came across the name Ezekiel Ward, Jr. and sent an angel to Genesis Center on October 22, 2021 to escort him home.

Prayer has bought me this far and prayer will take me home.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I kept the faith…” 2 Timothy 4:7

Ezekiel Ward Jr., the son of the late Ezekiel and Annie Lane Ward, Sr. was born on August 10, 1931, the youngest of 14 children, he was the last survivor.

Since his father died the same day he was born he spent his youth assisting his brothers and mother in operation of the farm, running errands, etc.

On May 5, 1954 he married Lillie Margaret Nixon and they were blessed with four children: Ronald, Patricia, Reginald and Cynthia. The couples’ main source of income during the early years of their marriage was farming, tobacco, corn, soybeans, cucumbers, cotton, along with other crops. In 1959 they chose to operate their own dairy, making Ezekiel one of the first black men to own a dairy farm in Wayne County. Farming and the dairy business no longer of interest he worked as a maintenance engineer from 1970 to 1984 receiving several awards, certificates and plaques for his work.

1954 being a year of change and new commitments for him, Ezekiel became a member of St. Luke Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, Mount Olive, NC. He joined the male chorus and enjoyed traveling/ singing with them for a while. He regularly attended church services until his declining health prevented him from going.

While working he received a back injury which forced him to retire on disability in 1984. After retirement he became a professional shade tree sitter. He enjoyed sitting and greeting people under the pecan tree until his health made him a resident of Genesis Center, Mount Olive, NC.

He leaves to cherish his love and legacy, his devoted wife of 67 years, Lillie, his four children: Ronald Baggett, Patricia W. Bass, Reginald (Irnita) Ward, and Cynthia (Lonnie) Manley: seven grandchildren Tonia Baggett, Katrina Baggett, Kengie Bass (Candra), Jeffrey Page, Reginald Ward, Jr., Samaria Ward and Ryan Ward; two great grandchildren Caleb and Kendall Bass. Stephen (Susan) Ray, a nephew he raised in his home for a short period along with a host of nieces, nephews and family.

You never said, “I am leaving”, You never said goodbye

You were gone before we knew it and Only God knows why

In life we love you dearly, In death we love you still

In our hearts you holds a place that no one could ever fill

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone,

For part of each of us went with you, October 22, the day God took you home

The Family

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