William "Bill" Charles Ward Jr.

Bill was born August 12, 1941 in Charlotte, N.C. to William Charles Ward and Bessie Limmer Ward.

Bill graduated from Harding High School in 1959 and attended North Carolina State University. From an early age, he had a natural curiosity about how things worked. At age 14 years, he earned his amateur radio license. This became a lifelong interest and later Bill earned the highest-level amateur radio license issued by the FCC. Over the years his ham radio allowed him to communicate with radio operators in more than 200 countries around the world.

In his early twenties, Bill joined the Air Force and began what would become many years of military service. He served in the Charlotte Air National Guard and Army Reserve, retiring in 2009 with the rank of E-8, Master Sergeant. Bill took his service seriously and was proud to serve his country.

Bill was an engineer at heart, and that carried over into his working life. He worked as a Field Engineer for Honeywell, Inc. Information Systems during the early days of large mainframe computers. He had a real gift for understanding complicated equipment and resolving problems. In 1973-1974 Honeywell, Inc. recognized his work with the Southeastern Field Engineer Award for excellence. He retired from Honeywell, Inc. after nineteen years.

Bill later worked for Mecklenburg County as a Communications Specialist from 1989-2009. Bill also served with the Charlotte Police Reserve for more than 20 years, retiring as Sergeant. Whether he was working with computers, communications, or serving his community, Bill was someone people knew they could depend on.

Bill shared his life with his adoring wife, Beverly Quinn Ward, for fifty-one years. Their life was built on love, loyalty, and being there for one another for life.

Bill had plenty of interests outside of work. He was a private pilot, enjoyed amateur radio throughout his life, loved surf fishing at Holden Beach, which was very important to Bill and Bev. They loved spending time at their cottage on canal. It was Bill’s special place to fish, enjoy the outdoors, spend time with Bev and slow down a little.

Bill was a devoted member of Central United Methodist Church, Charlotte, for over four decades where he served on numerous committees and was sound engineer for church services. It suited Bill well as he knew the equipment, knew how to fix things and was willing to help.

Bill was a smart, gifted man and natural problem solver. Those close to him remember much more than that. They remember his fearless spirit, his smile, his sense of humor and the steady way he showed up for the people in his life. He believed in doing things right, working hard, and taking care of those he loved, family and friends.

Bill is survived by his wife, Beverly Quinn Ward; nephew, Chuck (Margaret) Weeks; niece, Betsy (Reginald) Shaw; great-nieces; Emily (Fred) Karr and Kristen (Jeff) Morrison; great-nephews, Charlie (Brooke) Weeks and David Shaw; great-great-nephews, Hayes Weeks, River Weeks and Daniel Morrison; great-great-niece Eliana Morrison; and pet companion, Malty Ward.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Charles Ward and Bessie Limmer Ward; his beloved sister, Betty Ward Weeks; and pet companions Max and Misty Ward,

The family is grateful to Dr. Aris Chaconas and his staff, devoted caregiver Lupe Sandoval, staff at Sanctuary at Stonehaven, and VIA Hospice.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 2:00PM at Central United Methodist Church at 6030 Albemarle Road Charlotte, NC 28212.

McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel is honored to serve the family of William "Bill" Charles Ward, Jr.