William Ward Flora

Born on December 25, 1946, in Norfolk, he was the son of Marvin William Flora and Virginia Sawyer Flora. He shared an adventurous childhood with his brother, Wayne.

After graduating from Kellam High School, Ward enrolled in the United States Air Force, though he was medically discharged following an injury. He later joined the Norfolk Fire Department and eventually served with the NAS Oceana Fire Department, where he retired as Captain after 31 years of devoted service.

On April 22, 1972, he married Patsy Dawley, and together they welcomed three children: William “Jamie,” Joshua, and Victoria.

Much of their life together was spent making memories through family vacations across the United States. Even after their children were grown, Ward and Patsy continued their travels with annual trips to Pennsylvania, always returning home with a van full of ham hocks, cabbage, and homemade gingerbread cookies to share with friends and family. They also loved visiting North Carolina and, most recently, traveling to Nashville, Tennessee, to visit their son Jamie.

Above all, Ward was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who consistently put the needs of his family before his own. He was a champion of his children’s interests, encouraging their passions, gifts, and talents every step of the way.

His love for others extended far beyond his family. A devoted member of Tabernacle United Methodist Church, Ward faithfully attended services and enjoyed the many activities and fellowship throughout the year.

He deeply loved his friends and neighbors and never missed an opportunity to stop and talk with someone. Ward had a gift for making people feel seen, heard, and encouraged. He enjoyed meeting new people and could rarely go far around town without running into someone he knew — often while driving the infamous van and proudly boasting of its nearly 600,000 miles and counting.

Proudly patriotic, Ward deeply respected service members and faithfully kept them and their families in prayer.

A beloved staple of the Flora household is the John Deere tractor in the front yard, with friends, neighbors, and family looking forward each Christmas season to seeing it lit up with lights.

Preceded in death by his parents, Ward is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patsy Dawley Flora; sons Jamie Flora and wife Alana, and Joshua Flora and wife Liz; daughter Victoria Flora Stacy and fiancé Brandon Foster; grandchildren Andrew, Camden, Raegan, and Peyton; his brother Wayne Flora; and extended family and dear friends.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday May 21st at 10:00 a.m. at Princess Anne Memorial Park with a reception to follow at Tabernacle United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tabernacle United Methodist Church.