Walter Aleck Ward, Jr.

   Walter Aleck Ward, Jr., 89, of Suffolk, VA, died Thursday, August 4, 2022, in Northern Cardinal Rehabilitation and Nursing, Suffolk.

   Mr. Ward was born in Gates County on November 12, 1932, was the son of the late Walter Aleck and Margaret Emily Rountree Ward. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Etheleen Matthews Ward, and a brother, John Atwood Ward.

   A 1951 graduate of Sunbury High School, he later attended both Chowan College and Old Dominion College. A tax preparer, he owned and operated Walt’s Tax Service for nearly 50 years. Among his many enjoyments in life, he especially loved the beach, shell art, kites, fishing, golf, pool, and traveling with friends. He attended both Eureka Baptist Church and Reynoldson Baptist Church. A veteran, he served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve for eight years.

   Surviving are his daughter, Michelle Ward Bunch (Bruce) of Leland, NC; his son, Walter Aleck Ward, III of Raleigh, NC; three grandchildren, Alissa Taylor Ward (Lauren Godbout), Tyler Justin Bunch, and Alec Jordan Ward (Marisa Borek); a sister, Frances Ward Brooks of Raleigh, NC; a brother, Thomas Alan Ward (Betty) also of Raleigh, NC; sister-in-law, Annie Marie Ward of Suffolk, VA; sister-in-law, Virginia Dare Matthews of Portsmouth, VA; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

   Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. in Reynoldson Baptist Church, 73 Reynoldson Road in Gates, NC, and will be conducted by the Rev. Cody Brinkley and the Rev. Jimmy Smith. Friends may visit with the family in the church social hall the hour prior to the services on Tuesday. The graveside portion of the funeral will be held with military honors at 1:00 p.m. in Holly Lawn Cemetery, 1525 N. Main Street in Suffolk.

   Memorial contributions in his memory may be made either to Reynoldson Baptist Church, PO Box 308, Gates, NC 27937, or to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33^rd Street, New York, NY 10016.

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