Ralph Britton Ward

Ralph Britton Ward, 98, of 405 Ryland Road, Tyner, NC, died Sunday, October 25, 2015 in Vidant Chowan Hospital, Edenton. Mr. Ward was born in Chowan County on January 8, 1917, and was the last surviving of 11 children of the late James Trotman and Louisa Rachel Ward. A retired farmer, he also worked in the boiler room and the finishing department of United Piece & Dye Works for 22 years, retiring at the age of 75. A member of Ballard's Bridge Baptist Church, Woodmen of the World, and Post 40 of The American Legion, he was a charter member of the Ryland Ruritan Club. An Army veteran of World War II, he was a Sergeant and served in the European Theater. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Naomi Jordan Ward; and his siblings, infant Regina Ward, Callie W. Copeland (Herbert), Carrie W. Blanchard (Ericcson), Lessie W. Pierce (Samuel), Leora W. Chappell (Nereus), Thelma O. Ward, Lillian W. Lane (Pailen), James Beecher Ward (Orice), Dalton L. Ward, and an infant brother. Surviving are his daughter, Wanda W. Armstrong and husband Jack of Maineville, OH; a son, R. Vann Ward of Tyner; three grandchildren, Britton Armstrong and wife Wendy, Stanley Armstrong and wife Patricia, and Jordan Denton and husband Phil; and four great-grandchildren, Asher, Taitum, and Walker Armstrong, and Jackson Denton; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. in Ballard's Bridge Baptist Church and will be officiated by the Rev. Ron Parr. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may join the family at the residence. Flowers are welcomed, or contributions in his memory may be made to Ballard's Bridge Baptist Church, 3025 Virginia Road, Tyner, NC 27980. Arrangements are being handled by Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.