Marvin Elwood Ward, 88, of Roanoke Rapids, NC, passed away on March 18, 2025.  Marvin was born in Battleboro, NC to Benjamin Lee Ward and Christine Hackney Ward.  He spent his childhood alongside his brother Benjamin Lee Ward, Jr. of Fayetteville, NC, on the family farm growing tobacco, riding horses and quail hunting, his favorite pastime.  After graduating from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1954, he attended UNC Chapel Hill and was a member of the Phi Gamma fraternity. After completing his military commitment, Marvin returned to complete his college education at Atlantic Christian College in Wilson NC.

Marvin met the love of his life, Sadie Carol Etheridge Ward on a blind date in 1954.  They were married on August 22, 1959 and enjoyed 65 years of adventures together.  Traveling with family and friends was their passion and they created a lifetime of memories together.  They were blessed with two children, Christine Ward Gwynn (John) of Charlottesville, VA and William Holt Ward (Amy) of Battleboro, NC.  Though Marvin loved farming, hunting and spending time with his wonderful friends, his favorite role was being a grandparent.  He treasured his time with both Zachary (Zach) Holt Ward and Paige Kenlee Ward. He was present at every important milestone for both grandkids and continually expressed how very proud of the young adults that they have become. He was especially happy that they were raised in his family's homeplace in Battleboro and have chosen to remain in this community.

Marvin's position as District Engineer with Carolina Telephone brought his family to Roanoke Rapids in 1963. After several years, he left the phone company to embark on a career in commercial and residential real estate. He was crucial in the development of Becker Farms Inc. In 1980 he became the Manager of Becker Village Mall. Partnering with Bill Davis Jr., they built Becker Self Storage in 1990. Marvin retired in the early 2000's to enjoy traveling with Sadie Carol.

Marvin didn't know a stranger. He built life-long friendships everywhere he went. The family would like to especially thank those that remained in close contact with him during the last few years of his life when his health prevented him from enjoying the outdoors. He relied on your visits and phone calls.  Also, we would like to thank Betsy Moncure for providing him the best entertainment by taking him out to lunch, driving him around Edgecombe, Nash and Halifax counties and including him in your family's celebrations.

Marvin found spiritual guidance and inner peace at All Saints Episcopal Church in Roanoke Rapids NC.  The fellowship he received over the last 25 years was so important and strengthened his faith and his relationship with God.  He often prayed for ease of suffering for both he and Sadie Carol and he received it on March 18, 2025.

Marvin will be remembered for his friendly personality and his willingness to always help others in the Roanoke Rapids and Battleboro communities. He was often found with bushels of sweet corn and boxes of sweet potatoes in his Jeep, delivering local produce to friends and family throughout eastern NC.  He loved putting up blue bird houses everywhere, as if they were on the brink of extinction.  He also looked forward to the annual tradition of salt-curing country hams with family and friends, where he passed down the curing process that was taught to him by his father-in-law 65-years prior. The family would like to extend a special thank you to long-time friends, Dr. Mario Fiorilli and Attorney, Bill White for your continual support, calls, guidance and exceptional care of Marvin.  We would also like to thank the in-home care giving team that provided care to Marvin and their continued care of Sadie Carol.

We will honor Marvin's life on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM with a graveside service at the Battleboro Cemetery located on Cemetery Drive.  After the service, the family invites you to visit them at the home of Holt and Amy Ward, 7721 NC Hwy 4, Battleboro NC. Refreshments will be provided. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marvin's honor to https://www.camphopeamerica.org/donate or a charity of your choice.