Bryant LaShaun Ward was born on June 22, 1978 to Bruce E. Smith and Annie P. Ward in Greensboro, North Carolina. Bryant transitioned from this life on Tuesday, March 8, 2022.

After residing in New Jersey for 34 years, he was drawn to return to his birth state, settling in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Always known as a son and brother, it was here that he became Uncle Bryant, giving basketball advice to his nephew and protection to his nieces. Bryant was a believer and always remained faithful in his spirituality and connected to all those that came before him.

He was educated in the Essex County School System and was a graduate of Orange High School’s Class of 1996. During these years, he picked up his interest in photography and love for history. This was evident in his research into the study of African ancestry in which he discovered his paternal genetic ancestry with Balanta people living in Guinea-Bissau and his maternal genetic ancestry with Bubi people living in Bioko Island.

Bryant was proceeded in death by his father, Bruce Smith and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving, nurturing mother, Annie Ward of Orange, NJ; brothers, Dennis Shaw (Raquel) and Derrick Ward, both of Fayetteville, NC; nephew, Jaden Shaw of Evans, GA; nieces, Kali and Amina Ward of Fayetteville, NC; goddaughter, Tahani Helms-Ishmael of North Plainfield, NJ; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends, including some whom he considered brothers, and his trusted canine companion, Mad Max.

Bryant would say to the remaining 78 Four: hold it down until we meet again. Some of his final words to his family were “just know I love you.

The Services to Honor the Life of Mr. Ward will be on Sunday, March 13, 2022, 1:00pm, Smith's Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

Interment will follow the service at Westview Memorial Park, Highway 74-West, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

The Ward Family will greet family and friends on Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 12:30-1:00pm at Smith's Memorial Chapel.

THE SERVICES WILL BE LIVESTREAM ON THE FACEBOOK PAGE OF ANNIE P WARD.

The public viewing for Mr. Ward will be on Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 4:00-6:00pm.

Face Mask/Coverings are REQUIRED to be worn at all times.