The Celebration of Life of Wade “Skipper” Ward Jr.
Acknowledgments
The Ward Family extends our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and kindness shown during this time of bereavement. We are especially thankful to our officiant, Reverend Porchia McGlown of Union Hill M.B. Church; Moderator Lee Earl Robinson; and the members and clergy of the T.O.M.B.A. We also extend sincere appreciation to the soloists and musicians whose music lifted our spirits and comforted our hearts.
We are truly grateful to the compassionate physicians and staff of Fresenius Kidney Care Dialysis Center in Oxford, Mississippi, with very special thanks to Arnitta Pryor, Dr. Lam, and Ashley, Shelia, and the entire team who provided care in the clinic. We also extend our appreciation to the physicians, nurses, social workers, and staff of Baptist Memorial Hospital–North Mississippi; Dr. Mark Heckle of Sutherland Cardiology Group; Nurse Practitioners Vernice Johnson and Latasha Carothers for your care; Quality Medical Service; and Gentiva Hospice, with heartfelt thanks to Stephanie Cox Tyson for the unwavering support and guidance throughout the process, and to the many who offered care, comfort, and compassion throughout this journey.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
To the director and staff of L. Hodges Funeral Service, we humbly and graciously thank you for your dignified and thoughtful arrangements during this difficult time, and for the enduring friendship and family bonds you have shown.
We extend a very special thank you to the Central High School Class of 1966 for your love, support, and remembrance.
We are deeply touched by every act of kindness, every prayer, and every memory shared. May God bless each of you for your compassion and support.
Active Pallbearers
KeeganRosemonJr.
JeremiahWindfield
Friends&Family
Honorary Pallbearers
Frank“Butch”Archie
RBBlackmon
MelvinBooker
AllenA.Jones
TeldoPettis,Jr.
Flower Bearers
CentralHighSchoolClassof1966
TeldoPettis,Jr.
ClarkA.Stevens
SherwadeWade
JamesWilkins
OxfordMemorialCemetery
420N16thSt,Oxford,MS38655
SUNRISE NOVEMBER 3, 1948
SUNSET APRIL 28, 2026
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026 | 11:00 AM
A LIFE WELL LIVED A LEGACY Remembered
ToBubbawithLove:
IN OUR
Hearts FOREVER
Today we gather, our hearts held tight,
To honor you, Skipper, our father, our light. A father so strong, yet gentle and kind, With a love so rare, one of a kind.
Skipper, your voice and presence could fill any room,
And chase away every shadow of gloom. Your presence was steady, your wisdom true, There was always comfort in being with you.
You showed us how to stand up tall,
To keep our faith and give our all.
Through trials and triumphs, joy and pain, You taught us strength we still retain.
Skipper, you gave without counting the cost,
A love so deep it can never be lost.
In every lesson, in all you’d do, You left a legacy shining through.
Though tears may fall and hearts may ache, We hold each memory that we make.
For in our lives, you still remain, In whispered prayers and gentle rain.
We see you, Skipper, in all that’s
In every moment we understood— That love lives on, it does not end,
Wade Ward Jr., lovingly known to all as “Skipper”, was born on November 3, 1948, in Oxford, Mississippi, to the late Wade Berry Ward and Rossie O’Neal Buford. As the oldest of five children, Skipper grew up surrounded by deep faith, strong family ties, and a community that helped shape the kind, welcoming man so many came to love. A beloved son, brother, father, and caretaker, Skipper never met a stranger, and his warmth left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Skipper departed this life on April 28, 2026 after a long battle with his health. He was 77 years old.
At an early age, Skipper dedicated his life to Christ as a member of Armstead Chapel C.M.E. Church. A proud graduate of Central High School, Class of 1966, and Northwest Community College, Skipper built lifelong connections with classmates and friends. An avid Boy Scout, Skipper traveled across the United States at a young age, earning the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scout. His legacy is preserved in history, as he is pictured alongside his Boy Scout troop at the Burns Belfry Museum in Oxford, Mississippi. Skipper often reminisced about growing up in the Burney Branch and historic Freedman’s Town neighborhoods. An avid card player, Skipper enjoyed bringing people together, especially around a good card game, where laughter, storytelling, and fellowship filled the room. He also cherished his childhood and adult friends, whom he heralded as family: Lena Wiley, Melvin Booker, James Wilkins, Allen A. Jones (Duck), Teldo Pettis, Jr., Andrew “Tank” Frierson, Stanley Hodges, Ivory Redmond, and the Hodges Family.
Skipper was preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Rosie Ward, and his sister, Pamela Ward; and two close childhood friends, Andrew “Tank” Frierson, and Stanley Hodges.
He leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to live on through his wife, Betty Ward of Water Valley, MS; his daughters, Linda (Lee) Vaughn and Dr. Shanika Ward of Oxford, MS; Sara (Clifton) Cotten of Ridgeland, MS; Kara (Solomon) Rockette of Dallas, TX; and son, Sherwade Ward of Abbeville, MS. He is also survived by his sisters, Cora Ward of Chicago, IL; Juanita (Darnell) Felton of Cordova, TN; and Lena Ward of Oxford, MS.
Skipper fondly and proudly worked for Mr. Nathan Hodges with Hodges Funeral Service from his teenage years through adulthood. He delivered medicine to locals while working at Blaylock Drug Store. He was a diligent and dedicated employee at the North Mississippi Regional Center, where he built a meaningful and impactful career that spanned over 28 years. Throughout his tenure, Skipper served as a Direct Support staff member, advancing through the ranks and holding multiple roles, including cottage supervisor, shift supervisor, and program coordinator. Skipper retired from the NMRC after 28 years of service; he returned postretirement, serving as a security guard until his health required him to step away permanently. Many in the community remember him from his years as a friendly and familiar presence at the Oxford Mall as a security guard.
His love will forever be reflected in his cherished grandchildren: Dr. Kandace (Sam) Mossing of Providence, RI; Leona Vaughn and Clark Stevens of Oxford, MS; Ava and Lane Cotten of Ridgeland, MS; London Milton of Montgomery, AL; and Isabella, Emery, and Breece Rockette of Dallas, TX.
He is also lovingly remembered by his beloved nephews, Keegan Rosemon of Plantation, FL; Michael Hobson of Corinth, MS; Zachary Brown of Chicago, IL; his nieces Diedra (Chris) Townsend of Cordova, TN; Dr. D’Onior (Keylon) Simpkins of Gambrills, MD; Amaadi Ward of Chicago, IL; his great nephews Jeremiah (Brittany) Windfield of Memphis, TN; Keegan Rosemon Jr of Abbeville, MS; Christopher Townsend Jr. of Cordova, TN; and Caleb Simpkins of Gambrills, MD. He also leaves to cherish his memories his classmates, a host of cousins, family and extended family, and lifelong friends.
