Thomas Gerald Ward was born on March 17, 1953 to the late Lois Mae Ward and the late Lee Ander Utley in Holly Springs, NC. He was called to eternal rest on October 23, 2024 at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh, NC.

Thomas was a life-long resident of Holly Springs. He attended school in the Wake County School System. He was a 1971 graduate of Fuquay-Varina High School. Thomas was employed at Henry Wurst in Apex and retired after many years of service to the company.

Thomas joined First Baptist Church of Holly Springs and served as a Trustee and sang in the Male Chorus. He enjoyed cooking, restoring guns, watching wrestling and spending time with his family.

Thomas ws preceded in death by his loving grandmother, Sophia Ward, uncles, George ‘Buck’ Ward and Charlie Ward and aunt, Inez W. Lyons.

Thomas leaves behind memories for his children who affectionately call him “Pops”… sons, Jeryl Maurice Lockley (Carina) of Angier, North Carolina, Christopher Gerald Graham (Latonia) of Youngsville, North Carolina, Christopher Lamont Chance (Crystal) of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina and daughter, Tahala Nicole Council (Anthony) of Raleigh, North Carolina.

He also leaves eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren; sister, Barbara Jenkins; aunts, Louise W. McCullers, Ernestine W. Cofield, and Bernice W. Harris and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends who love him.

Public viewing: 2:00 - 6:00 pm on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Trice Funeral Home Chapel, 127 N. West Street in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

Visitation: 12:00 - 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Holly Springs, in Holly Springs, NC 27540.

Funeral will be held 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Holly Springs, 208 Grisby Avenue in Holly Springs, NC 27540.

Burial: Town of Holly Springs Cemetery, 451 W. Earp Street in Holly Springs, NC 27540.