Elbert Adams Ward Jr.

Elbert Adams Ward Jr. of Chamblee, Georgia, passed away peacefully August 10, 2024 at the age of 75. A devoted husband, father, and brother, Bert was known as a warm, kindly and fun-loving man who was extremely devoted to his family.

Bert was born February 28, 1949 to Elbert & Doris Ward of Goldsboro, North Carolina, the middle of three children. Growing up in a small town full of neighbors and relatives, Bert developed an interest in many sports, including baseball, tennis, bridge and mischief.

Like his Mother, Bert loved words, reading and politics; like his Daddy, he chose a practical major for his future. Bert graduated from North Carolina State University in 1972 with degrees in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, forming lifelong friendships.

Bert had a long and successful career as a programmer and manager with AT&T and Accenture. He believed in doing an excellent job in his assigned time and was proud of his achievements but he believed in keeping his home life separate. Asked if he had any career regrets, Bert immediately said “Yes! Programmers were not paid overtime.”

Bert loved and played bridge - in high school, where he partnered in duplicate with his mother, in college, in a floating lunch game at work, and 4-6 times a week during retirement, achieving the ACBL rank of Ruby Life Master in February 2020. He once said he had a lifetime of bridge briefly interrupted by a 40-year career.

Bert was his mother-in-laws’s favorite person, whether as the smooth charmer in early marriage, ultra-dependable family cheerleader for decades, or faithful, faithful helper in her frail old age.

Bert liked to live simply. He did not like big expensive adventures but rejoiced in homier activities. Bridge at home or beach and mountain vacations with his extended and loving family were Bert’s idea of the best possible time.

Bert is survived by the three most important people in his life - his wife, Patricia Childs Ward; his son, Robert Wilton Ward; and his sister, Beau Ward Simcoe. He was adored by his older sister, Ann Baker Ward, who died in March of 2024. He was loved by his baby sister, his nieces & nephews, his many cousins and even by his in-laws. Bert’s legacy of warmth, kindness, and dedication to family was learned from his Daddy. Bert will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.

A private service will be held to honor Bert’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made Atlanta Junior Bridge, 501c3, in his memory