Edward Lee Ward, Jr.

Edward Lee Ward, Jr, 81, of Wilmington, NC, died Wednesday, October 8, 2025.  

He was born in Wilmington, NC, on August 22, 1944, as the son of the late Adelaide Scales Ward and Edward Lee Ward, Sr.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Lynn Ward Pollock.  

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara B Ward of Wilmington NC, and his daughters, Wendy W. Davis (Allen), Molly W. Clark (David), both of Raleigh, NC, and his sister, Kitty W. Davis (Michael) of Wilmington, NC. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Mercer Chamblee, Ward Davis, and Robert Chamblee, as well as his nieces and nephews.   

He attended New Hanover High School and was a graduate of UNC Wilmington.   After teaching in Pender County for one year, he joined his father in the insurance business before moving on in the financial industry as a Stock Broker. 

As an original Wilmingtonian, Ed was civically oriented. He was a member of the Sertoma Club, the Wilmington Rotary Club, where he was a proud Paul Harris Fellow, the Cape Fear Men’s Club, and the Cape Fear Country Club.  He served as President of the North Carolina Azalea Festival in 1982 and was one of only a few fathers and sons to serve as President. His involvement in entertainment continued for many years, as he produced memorable concerts featuring iconic artists like Brooks and Dunn, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Donna Summer.   He was proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the UNCW Foundation and the Carousel Center.  

Ed had a love for the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing.  The only accomplishment that outdid his 63-pound Cobia caught at Ocracoke was his Billfish Grand Slam caught off the coast of Venezuela. He was a natural teacher at heart, patiently instructing his daughters how to captain a boat or master a stick shift. He was happiest around saltwater, whether navigating the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway or four-wheeling on Fort Fisher… every outing was an adventure.  

To the very end, Ed remained a captivating storyteller. He possessed a deep love and knowledge of the history of Wilmington.  A truly voracious reader, he would generously lend his books and personal recommendations. Ed loved his pets and often came home with a surprise animal. 

The family will hold a private gathering at a later time.

Any charitable donations should be made to The Friends of Fort Fisher either online at friendsoffortfisher.org or by mail at 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd South, Kure Beach, NC 28449.

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