Leroy Ward

Leroy "Coach" Ward, 75, of Nakina died Friday, February 10, 2017.  He was born August 19, 1941 in Columbus County the son of  the late Lee Ward and Mary Beck Ward.  

Leroy was a graduate of East Carolina University with BS, MS and EdS degrees.  After graduating from East Carolina, he returned to Nakina High School, his alma mater, where he was a multiple sport athlete and All Columbus basketball player .  He served there as a teacher, principal and coach (basketball and baseball) for over 25 years.  After serving at NHS he completed his career at the Columbus County Board of Education, where he served as a Pupil Personnel Supervisor and  Principal Mentor .  During his 42 years in Education he was honored with three awards from the North Carolina Principal's Executive Program.   He also received numerous coaching awards, including a Distinguished Service Award given by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

He loved his work and enjoyed keeping in touch with his students and former players throughout his life.  His love of God was always his number one priority.  He was a charter member of Nakina Baptist Church and served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher there for forty years.  His greatest joy in retirement was  spending time with his five  "grand girls", playing golf with his family and friends,  and making his yard more beautiful.  He will truly be missed by his family, church and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Stanley Ward; a son, Jeff  Ward and wife, Christa of Fuquay-Varina; a daughter,  LeAnne Ward Smith of Wilmington; a brother,  Ray Ward of Nakina; sisters, Jeanette FormyDuval of Whiteville; Barbara Buffkin and husband, Thomas of Pawley's Island, SC, Carolyn Suggs and husband, Terray  of Lake Wacamaw; grandchildren, Caroline Smith, Corinne Smith, Grace Ward, Lydia Ward and Rachel Ward.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Mary Ward; a sister, Gail Ward and brother-in-law, J.C. FormyDuval.

Memorials may be made to Nakina Baptist Youth Fund   P.O. Box 70 Nakina, NC 28455

His funeral service will be 2:00 pm Friday, February 17, 2017 at Nakina Baptist Church by Rev. Darryll Hester. Burial will be in Columbus Memorial Park. 

His family will receive friends 6:00 - 8:30 pm Thursday, February 16, 2017 at Peacock Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at peacockfuneralhome.net