Eugene Marion Ward

WADESBORO – On Thursday, January 25, 2024, Mr. Eugene Marion Ward, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully at McWhorter Hospice House in Monroe.

There will be a service of worship in celebration of Gene’s life on Saturday, February 3, 2024, 2:00 pm, at First Baptist Church, Wadesboro with Dr. Tim Moore, and Dr. Harry Workman officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at a reception in the church fellowship hall. A graveside service officiated by Dr. Fred Senter will be held at East Duplin Cemetery, Beulaville NC, on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 3:00 pm.

            Gene was born September 11, 1934, in Edenton, NC and was a son of the late Ernest J. and Annie W. Ward. He was a graduate of Edenton High School and East Carolina University where he received a degree in Business. He later did graduate studies at Indiana University in Bloomington.

            His long and successful career in banking began with Edenton Savings and Loan. He later worked with Citizen’s Savings and Loan in Rocky Mount before accepting the position as Executive Vice President of Anson Savings and Loan in Wadesboro in 1962. At the time of his retirement in 2001 from Anson Bank and Trust Co. as President and CEO, his banking career in North Carolina spanned more than 50 years. He was a well-respected member of the banking industry and his community where he served his clients well.

            Gene was an active member of his community, serving the local schools as PTA president and an active member of the Anson High Booster Club. He was a loyal fan and was passionate about supporting the Anson High School Bearcat Football Team. 

            As a member of the Wadesboro Rotary Club for more than 50 years and former President, Gene was awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of the Wadesboro Town Council and served as Town Treasurer and Mayor Pro Tem. 

            Gene was an avid fisherman and loved taking his family on fishing trips along the NC Coast.  He enjoyed attending NC State and Carolina Panthers football games and creating many happy memories with his family on vacations.  

            Gene was a member of First Baptist Church, Wadesboro where he served on numerous committees, largely with the Budget and Finance Committee, church treasurer and sharing his strong and rich bass voice by singing with the Chancel Choir. 

            Although Gene accomplished remarkable things professionally, he will be most remembered for his generosity, kindness, and always putting others first.  Gene was selfless and found true joy and happiness in helping others. His never-ending generosity to his community, church, friends, strangers, and family was a blessing and a gift.  Gene’s big heart, funny stories, and his love will be deeply missed.      

            Those who will cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Katie Grady Ward; his children, Jenna Ward Jenkins (Mitch) of Greenville, SC, and Ken Ward (Leta) of Cary, NC; his granddaughters, Elizabeth Jenkins, Victoria Jenkins, Madison Ward, and Ashley Ward; and many friends in his beloved community.

            In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Ernest, Millard, and John Ward.

            In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, PO Box 243, Wadesboro, NC 28170, or to Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28110.

            Gene’s family is especially grateful to the medical teams with Atrium Health who cared for him exceptionally and to Hospice of Union County for the comforting care they provided.

            The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com.