Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. John Carl Wardsworth

Dr. John Wardsworth, of Apex, North Carolina, peacefully transitioned to his eternal home on September 24, 2026. Affectionately known as “Doc,” he was a devoted dentist, accomplished outdoorsman, and beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Throughout his life, John was guided by a deep belief in the value of education, the importance of service, and the responsibility to use one’s gifts to benefit others. His legacy is reflected in the many lives he touched through his profession, his community involvement, and, most importantly, his love for family and friends.

Born to the late Mrs. Carolyn McKenzie Wardsworth and Mr. J.C. Wardsworth, John was raised in High Point, North Carolina, where he received his early education and developed the values of faith, family, perseverance, and service that would guide him throughout his life. He was a proud graduate of William Penn High School, Class of 1966. He continued his education at North Carolina Central University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1970. During his years at NCCU, he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, pledging in the fall of 1969.

From an early age, John aspired to become a dentist. Following his undergraduate studies, he continued his education at Howard University College of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1974. After graduating from Howard, John returned to North Carolina and began his professional career as a staff dentist with Orange-Chatham Comprehensive Health Services. In 1976, he opened a private dental practice with his classmate, Dr. Theodore Brooks. Together, they operated a joint dental practice until 1983.
John’s commitment to serving others extended beyond his private practice. He also served as a dentist with the Operation Breakthrough Head Start program in Durham, North Carolina, providing care to children and families and continuing his commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

For 43 years, John operated his own general dentistry practice, where he remained dedicated to preventive and restorative dental care until he was no longer physically able to practice. He took great pride in caring for generations of patients, many of whom were classmates, colleagues, and former professors. His practice became much more than a place of business; it was a place where the personal, academic, and professional relationships he had cultivated throughout his life continued to intersect.
John also embraced the opportunity to mentor and encourage the next generation of dental professionals. He generously shared his knowledge, experience, and wisdom with younger dentists, offering guidance and encouragement as they developed their own careers. His commitment to education extended to dental students as well, as he welcomed students into his practice and provided them with internship opportunities where they could gain firsthand experience in the daily practice of dentistry. He took pride in teaching not only the technical aspects of the profession, but also the importance of compassion, professionalism, integrity, and service to patients and the community. For John, mentoring others was another way of giving back and ensuring that the knowledge and values he had gained throughout his career would continue to benefit future generations.

His patients knew him not only for his knowledge and skill, but also for the personal care and genuine concern he showed for those entrusted to him. Through his dedication to mentoring younger dentists and providing opportunities for dental students, John’s influence reached far beyond the generations of patients he personally cared for. He left an enduring mark on the profession by helping prepare and encourage those who would carry the work of dentistry forward.

John’s professional and civic life reflected his belief that service extends beyond one’s chosen profession. He was a member of the National Dental Association, the Old North State Dental Association, and the Durham Academy of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy. He was also a member of the James E. Shepard Sertoma Club and served as its president. Through his involvement with the club, John advocated for individuals with hearing and speech impairments and supported efforts to strengthen and serve the local community. He believed in giving back, creating opportunities for others, and using his talents in service to his community.

Beyond dentistry, John had a deep and abiding passion for hunting and the outdoors. He was a longtime member of the Riverside Sportsmen Club, one of North Carolina’s oldest predominantly Black hunting clubs. Around 1986, he was elected president of the club, a role in which he became known for his knowledge, skill, commitment to safety, and dedication to educating others about responsible hunting.

Under John’s leadership, the Riverside Sportsmen Club strengthened its hunter-education efforts by bringing members of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to provide training and certification. John encouraged responsible hunting not only throughout North Carolina and across the United States, but also abroad.
He was especially active in the club’s annual Wild Game Dinner, where he and fellow members donated domestic and exotic meats for an event that sometimes welcomed more than 300 guests. His love of hunting also took him around the world, including on several hunting trips and safaris. During a 2006 safari to South Africa, John encouraged fellow members of the Riverside Sportsmen Club to join him. The trip became more than an opportunity to pursue his passion for hunting. The group also visited a local elementary school and left a donation for the school, as well as a contribution to the family employed by the hunting lodge where they stayed. In this way, John’s love of the outdoors was once again connected to his commitment to service and giving back.

Family was at the heart of John’s life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who cherished the people around him and took pride in their accomplishments. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mrs. Carolyn McKenzie Wardsworth and Mr. J.C. Wardsworth.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Mrs. Shelia Wardsworth; his brother, H. Steve Wardsworth (Gloria) of Greensboro, North Carolina; his children, Kimberly Orange (Rickie) of Baltimore, Maryland, Angelina Minor, Harry Minor (Lakeshia), Genavous Minor (Tammy), Natasha Minor-Riggins (Sha-Mel), Matthew Wardsworth (Kamala), and Sha’Nel Wardsworth; sixteen grandchildren, Shmair Cotton, LaQuan Minor, Erica Jacobs, Isaiah Minor (Laura), Lauren Minor, Jordan Hunter, Ash’e Minor, Grayson Minor, Devon Jenkins Jr., Kendall Wardsworth, Laila Minor, Genavous Minor Jr., Dylan Wardsworth, Taylor Wardsworth, Luca Minor, and Kyrie Wardsworth; four great-grandchildren, Chance Minor, Clifford Cotton Jr., Jaliyah Jacobs, and Kyrie Minor; beloved nieces, Michelle Belcher of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Veronica Wardsworth of Greensboro; and a host of loving relatives and dear friends.

Doc will be remembered for his dedication to dentistry, his commitment to service, his love of family, and his enduring passion for hunting and the outdoors. His legacy will live on through the family he loved, the generations of patients he cared for, the colleagues and students he encouraged, and the community he served.

John understood that a meaningful life is measured not only by what one accomplishes, but also by the lives one touches along the way. He gave generously of his knowledge, his talents, his time, and himself. Through his work as a dentist, his dedication to mentoring younger dentists and providing opportunities for dental students, his service to others, his leadership in his community, and his love for his family, he demonstrated the lasting impact of a life lived with purpose. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Service Arrangements:

Visitation Service:

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 5:00 to 7:00 PM | Holloway Memorial Funeral Home Inc. | 2502 NC Hwy 55 | Durham, NC 27713

Funeral Service:

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

First Calvary Baptist Church | 1311 Morehead Avenue | Durham, NC 27707

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will be conducting the Omega Service beginning at 10:30am

Funeral Service beginning at 11:00am

Interment: Beechwood Cemetery

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