Harry G. Ward

Born on October 20, 1951 in Long Branch, New Jersey, Harry Ward was a Vietnam Veteran who led a remarkable life filled with dedications and service to our country.

He was a 1970 graduate of Burr & Burton High School, Manchester, Vermont and in 1993 earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Park University. He served twenty years in the United States Marine Corps in the CounterIntelligence field, six years at Carteret Correctional Center as a Program Supervisor, and fourteen years at the Cumberland County Sheriff Office as a Detective, where he retired in 2006.

He served honorably in the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Gunnery Sergeant during his distinguished military career. He received numerous awards and declarations for his exceptional contribution to our nation's defense.

He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, a member of the VFW and the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed remodeling his home and mowing his lawn.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Phyllis Ward of New Bern, North Carolina; his son Leonard Ward and grandchildren, Emily Gudinas, Kayla Ward and Amber Ward, and great-granddaughter, Malea Cochrane of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and his daughter Jeanette Bell and husband Bobby Bell, and granddaughter, Savannah Bell of Morehead City, North Carolina who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Ward and mother, Lorna Morrison, his sisters; Madeline Bonesteel, Debbie Leary and Maria Peele, and his brothers, Larry, Walter and Wayne Ward.

The family will receive friends at the Cotten Funeral Home, 2201 Neuse Blvd. New Bern, NC on February 20th, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. A Mass will be held immediately following visitation at 12:00 Noon at St. Paul Catholic Church in New Bern, North Carolina. He will be laid to rest following the service in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with USMC military honors.

Harry was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. Family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. Anyone that knew him knew that he was the most loving husband,father, grandfather, and great grandfather a family could ever ask for. His legacy of love and resilience will live on in the hearts of family and friends.

Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory are honored to serve the family and friends of Mr. Harry Gorden Ward.