Walton Leonard Ward

March 11, 1943 - January 22, 2019
Walton Leonard Ward

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A much-beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Walton Leonard Ward, 75, passed away on January 22, 2019 in Wilmington, North Carolina surrounded by family. Walt, as he was known to many, was born on March 11, 1943 in Norfolk, Virginia. He excelled at sports and graduated in 1961 from Durham High School in Durham, North Carolina where he lettered in three sports. He was quarterback of the football team for two years, shooting forward on the basketball team for two years, and starting pitcher for the baseball team for three years.

He went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on a full baseball scholarship graduating in 1965 with degrees in economics and business. Upon graduation from college, Walt enlisted in the Navy and served as the navigator on the USS Rigel (AF-58) homeported in Norfolk, Virginia for the next four years. When he left active duty as a full lieutenant, he was hired as a Regional Sales Manager for IBM in the Wilmington, North Carolina office. Walt had a successful career at IBM for 35 years managing teams in Atlanta, Nashville, West Palm Beach, and Tucson. Outside of work, he loved his family, spending time with friends, following all sports, and being an avid UNC Basketball fan.

Walt is survived by his brother, Allan (Marie) Ward, Jr., three daughters, Tamera (Tom) Galvin, Staci (Chris) Dickens, and Lauren Ward, and three grandchildren, Tommy Galvin, Kathleen Galvin, and Jayse Dickens, and many dear friends. Walton was predeceased by his parents, Allan Ward, Sr. and Ann Wright Ward, and his son, Walton Matthew Ward.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 3 p.m., on Sunday, January 27 at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to www.angelsrescue.org, a non-profit dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats from high-risk shelters in north Georgia where his daughter Lauren volunteers regularly

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington NC 28403. 910.791.9099

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  • January 24, 2019
    Mary and Charlie McPherson says:
    We send our deepest sympathy to the Ward family and pray that God will bless you all with His comfort and peace. We will miss our dear friend, Walt, and his indomitable spirit.

  • January 25, 2019
    pdavis says:
    My deep sympathy to the Ward family. The loss of a loved one is always hard to bear. I pray that you feel the support of family, friends and prayer. Psalm 34:15 tells us, "The eyes of Jehovah are on the righteous, and his ears listen to their cry for help." Draw close to God in prayer so that he may use his power to keep and comfort you during your time of sorrow, James 4:8.

  • January 26, 2019
    BILL HENDLEY says:
    Walt and I were classmates at DHS class of 61 and we played baseball together from Pony League thru High School. He was a great person and a friend. When my parents moved here in late 70s, I found that he was working here and I got to have lunch with him. I contacted several of our friends at DHS of his passing. I send my deepest sympathy to his entire family.

  • January 26, 2019
    BILL HENDLEY lit a candle:
    Lit since January 26, 2019 at 1:26:42 PM

  • January 26, 2019
    BILL HENDLEY lit a candle:
    Lit since January 26, 2019 at 1:30:27 PM