Louis Earl Ward

Louis Earl Ward, 90, of Hobbsville, NC died peacefully in his home on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

A native of Gates County, NC, Earl loved his Hobbsville and Gates County community. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 68 years, Joyce Eure Ward and by his parents, Julian Will Ward and Beulah Nixon Ward. Earl was the fourth oldest of nine children of Beulah and Julian Ward. Earl served two years in the U.S. Army where he was stationed at Fort Knox, KY. Earl retired from Lipton Tea in Suffolk, VA with more than 36 years of dedicated service. After retirement, he worked at Miller Funeral Home for more than 22 years. He was a member of Sandy Cross Baptist Church. Earl enjoyed his family and friends, both near and far. In his earlier years, he loved working with his dad in carpentry.

Survivors include his brothers, Bobby Ward and husband, Roy, Vernon Ward and wife, Doris, and Roger Ward and wife, Susan; sister-in-law, Marie Ward; brother-in-law, Douglas Baker; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Earl was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Ann Baker, Dorothy Stallings, and Margie Ward Stallings; and brothers, Melvin Ward and Larry Ward.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the Sandy Cross Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Brett Hutchins and Steve Stallings officiating. The family will greet friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the graveside service.

The family would like to express much appreciation to Nancy Dail and others for their continued support over the last few years.

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