Earl Ward

Edward “Earl” Ward, 85, of Asheville, died in his home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, November 5, 2022. Earl was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, on October 16, 1937, to the late Annie Catherine Westbrook Ward and Lindsey Earl Ward. Earl married Agnes Merle Hickman in 1956, and together they had three daughters, Pamela, Cynthia, and Angela. He worked as a supervisor at Southern Bell Telephone Company, which later became Bell South. Earl was a member of West Asheville Baptist Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Agnes, and three daughters: Pamela (Alan) Gibson, Cynthia (Mark) Jeffords, and Angela Bassett; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; a brother, Roy (Janice) Ward, Sr.; two sisters, Katherine Williams and Faye Core; sisters-in-law, Joan Pressley and Juanita Ward; and many nephews and nieces. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, his son-in-law, David Bassett; brothers, Leon, Charles, Graham, and Aaron; and sisters, Alene Skipper, Amoret Blanton, and Annie Cooper.

Earl’s greatest joy was found in providing for his family. His love was baked into batches of homemade peanut brittle, carried through trips to the farmer’s market, and built into countless home improvement projects. For over 65 years, he was singularly devoted to his wife. Earl and Agnes wrote their love story over a lifetime spent together, with a steadfast, faithful commitment to one another and a love that was real and abiding. Anyone who knew Earl knew of his love for his Savior. He had a quiet nature and was a “man of few words” who genuinely loved others. His life testified to his trust in Jesus and devotion to faith and family.

Memorial service to be held at Gracepoint Church (Woodland Hills Campus) at 3:00 pm on November 13, 2022.

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