John Anderson Ward, adored son of Julia Downs Ward and Harry Lee Ward, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026.

Loyal Episcopalian and beloved son of Gates County, John spent his childhood in Gatesville, NC. His summer days were spent with his friends, barefoot on the town's dirt streets, riding bicycles, playing games and drinking Kool-Aid. John's love of books and libraries began on those hot afternoons, reading in the one-room public library housed in the old Gates County Courthouse.

John's flair for the theatrical began when, at age 8, he produced, directed, costumed, acted in and made the sets for his own backyard production of The Lost Colony. His little friends were employed as actors.

Following graduation from college, John made his home in Raleigh where he taught English to his many beloved students at Millbrook Middle School and Athens High School. After receiving his Masters of Library Science John found his true calling as librarian at Athens High until his retirement.

John was confirmed in the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Later he became a devoted member of Christ Church where he spent many hours helping to preserve the church's archives. John had a special love of history and enjoyed several years as a docent in the North Carolina State Capitol. There he delighted thousands of school children with anecdotes and "secret" stories of the building's history.

John loved chocolate, his cats, his summers in Provincetown, his adopted city of Raleigh, its history and its people. There he developed many lifelong friendships. If he didn't know who someone was he would figure out that person's "people." John never met a stranger. He was loyal, kind to everyone, great or small. He was also an accomplished watercolor artist and genealogist.

He is survived by his cousin, Julia ("Bambi") Downs, who lovingly cared for him during his final illness. Other survivors include cousins, John Upshaw Downs, Jr., Dr. James Claude Upshaw Downs and dear friend, Clarine Gatling Pollock Powell. He was predeceased by his dear cousin John Upshaw Downs, Sr.

Funeral services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 120 E. Edenton St., Raleigh, NC on Monday, August 10 at 1:00 PM with a reception to follow at the church. A committal service will be held at the Gatesville Cemetery, at the intersection of Court and High Streets, Gatesville, NC on Tuesday, August 11 at 2:00 PM.

Memorials may be made to Christ Episcopal Church or Gates County Historical Society, c/o Barbara Crawford, P.O Box 134, Gatesville, NC 27938.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, NC is assisting the Ward family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com