Roy British Ward

Roy British Ward, 85, of Paradise Road, Edenton, NC, died Friday, November 14, 2014 in Chowan River Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Mr. Ward was born in Perquimans County on April 27, 1929, and was the son of the late British Haywood and Bessie Overman Ward. A retired fire extinguisher technician, he was a member of McGee United Methodist Church in Clinton, NC where he lived for many years before moving back to the Edenton area to be close to his daughter and her family. In earlier years, Roy won several talent contests singing country and gospel music. With the attention those contests brought him, he relocated to Nashville where he sang in many different groups over the years, recorded several tracks of his songs, and traveled extensively. In later years his singing brought joy to many at church functions and religious ceremonies. Another area of his life he was particularly proud of was his service in the Army during World War II. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by sisters, Eleanor, Ruth, Bessie J., and Gladys. Surviving are his daughter, Sheila Ward Bass and husband Lee of Edenton; granddaughters, Tammi Proctor and husband Tim and Kari Chappell and husband Chris; great-grandchildren, Bryant and Kailee Chappell and Stetson Proctor; and nieces and nephews, Barbara Jean Pickett, David Chappell, Patty Chappell, Betty Jo Lyle, and Lewis Roy Dempsey. Graveside services will be held Monday at 3:00 p.m. in Cedarwood Cemetery, Hertford, and will be officiated by Dr. James Horton. Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is handling arrangements. Friends may join the family at the home of Lee and Sheila Bass, 3125 Rocky Hock Road, Edenton. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.