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Obituary For Dr. John Carl Wardsworth
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 (Ricky ) of Baltimore, Maryland, Angelina Minor, Harry Minor (Lakeshia), Genavous Minor (Tammy), Natasha Minor-Riggins (Sha-Mel), Matthew Wardsworth (Kameela), and ShaNel 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 Caldwell ; 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
Funeral Service:
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will be conducting the Omega service at 11:00 AM
Service 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM
The River Church
4425 Ben Franklin Blvd. Durham, NC
Interment: Beechwood Cemetery
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Ava, Richard, Domingo, Oesa Vinesett planted 10 trees in memory of Dr. John Carl Wardsworth . - October 06, 2026
Melody and The McLaurin Family sent Red and White Floor Basket for Dr. John Carl Wardsworth - October 05, 2026
Our condolences to you and your family...He was truly a Great man..He will be missed.
Love Melody and the McLaurin family
Lenora Miller & Family planted 5 trees in memory of Dr. John Carl Wardsworth . - October 01, 2026
Rest in Peace Doc ! You was the teeth Magician,the Best ! Condolences to Beautiful Mrs Sheila and family .much love !
Ms. Sheila, Sending prayer to you and yours at this time. Also, thanking you and Doc for looking out for my family, Rev. Cox and my late mother Gloria, my children, Leoncia and Jharrison, their father, and me since we were all very young. My son admired Doc and often spoke of wanting to be like him. Doc Wardsworth would be proud of both of them. Prayers of comfort and peace for you and yours. Sincerely, Robin
My deepest condolences the loss of the best dentist! I started with John when he was very young in his practice and he was a personal friend that made it more comfortable to sit down in the chair and be ready for whatever was coming next. I nicknamed him the ouchless dentist, and I promoted his business with all of my friends and family to support a friend, but also because of his level of expertise. May God bless the memory and immortalized the achievements of this great dentist.
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Mr. Wardworth and his family were such wonderful people, very caring and loving. He was real, never looking down at anyone because of his status. He was strictly about his family and business. Mrs. Sheila and Family, Ya'll have my deepest condolences and May God keep you and the family safe from all hurt harm and danger Thanks Eureda Johnsonhttps://cdn.obituary-assistant.com/filters:format(webp)/religious/cross.jpg
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My sincere condolences to his wife and entire family . May God comfort you all in your time of sorrow , Betty Barnes
I was saddened to hear of John's passing. We met as dental students at Howard University. Upon returning to NC, I followed him as staff dentist at Orange-Chatham Comprehensive Health Services (OCCHS) before joining him in private practice. We traveled together several times including a drive to Los Angeles to attend the National Dental Assoc.'s conference. I met his mom, a good cook, his dad, an avid fisherman, his brother and his first wife, also a Howardite. I left the practice in 1983. Shelia and family, I share your loss and sadness in these dark times.
My condolences and prayer to Mrs. Sheila Wardsworth and family.
Condolences to the Wardsworth family. It was a pleasure knowing John in undergraduate school at NCCU. We stayed on the same hall our freshman year. Clearly, he exhibited then all of the promise that unfolded throughout his life.
I was saddened to read the message of Dr. Wardsworth passing. Like many, the Dentist isn't one of my favorite places to go but Dr. Wardsworth always made it not so bad,he was the best and he will definitely be missed. Love, strength, peace and Blessings to Sheila, the Family and extended Family. ♥️
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To the immediate family we share the loss of John Carl Wadsworth affectionaley known to us ( Lenora Miller and her kids) as Duke. He not only gave us wisdom, humor but love as well. We know he is in the arm of God.
My sincere condolences to Shelia, Kimberly, Matt and SheNel. Doc was more than a cousin he was like a brother to me. Being born in Monroe we spent our childhood together and every Holiday they came to Monroe to visit. I will truly miss him. I know that he was welcomed into eternity by God and his loving family. Rest well my brother we are living to see you soon. Many blessings and much love to the family. Cookie and family.
Shelia and family, may God sustain you all during this time and the days ahead. We are heartbroken for your loss and our loss. We will miss Dr. Wardsworth and his calming spirit. Love, Mary and Christopher Welch
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Dearest Sheila, I have no words to express the heartache I feel for the loss of my Friend "Doc". He was more than my Dentist for over 30 years. I was blessed to be able to call him friend. My thoughts, love and prayers are with you and the entire family at this difficult time. Please know that I hold you in my heart and Doc will always have a special place in my heart.. gone, but never forgotten.
To Ms. Sheila and family, I was saddened upon hearing of Doc's transistioning. He was my dentist for many years. He always would joke that I would have all my teeth at the Second Coming. He will be missed and I pray that the great Comforter will give you the peace of His love in the days ahead.
Sheila, Our sincere condolences to you, the family and the practice. We will never forget the background music playing and Dr. Wardsworth humming. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Marshall & Jackie Thaxton
I've never been so broken 💔 hearted, when the sad news came. "Doc", had a huge personality of knowledge, funny, and gift of calming music. My dentist for at least 25 years. A dentist you knew would take care of his business. He'll be truly missed, Lord Jesus, please continue to take care of Mrs. Shelia, and the close family. Love forever, best memories, Julia and family. Amen.
Dr. Wardworth was my dentist for many years. He was wonderful funny man, he would keep you laughing and at the same time be dropping a lot of knowledge also let me tell you, he would always be playing the right music while your waiting laid back in that chair just a comfortable atmosphere while being taken care of. He will be truly missed. Sending my condolences and prayers to Mrs. Shelia and the family.
To Shelia and the entire family our deepest sympathy, we know you will miss our dear dentist dearly.please know that we are keeping you in our prayers. May God comfort your family. Chester and Annie Woyee
Some 18 years ago my supervisor recommended Dr. Wardsworth to me when my dentist passed away and I have been in his service to this day. I always look forward to my appointments because he made me feel comfortable with all his jokes. I will truly miss him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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A friend recommended Dr Wardsworth to me and he was my dentist for a very long time. He was a cool dentist... he would sing or tell jokes, which I enjoyed, and it always made me relax and smile. He had a great bedside manner! Very patient and very kind. I will truly miss him. My prayers and deepest condolences to his wife and the entire family! May God give you strength through this difficult time. Carol Courts
To Shelia and the Wardsworth family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Doc's passing. You all took care of my family and my dental health for over 25 years. You all have become family to me. He will be terribly missed. May the love of God, Family and Friends sustain you during this difficult time. Love you all!
Dr. Wardworth was my dentist for many years. He was kind and made sure his patients were confortable and taken care of. He will truly be missed. Sending condolences and prayers to the family.
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs to Mrs Shelia and family . I am so sorry for your loss of Dr. Wardsworth. The McDuffie family will truly miss such a wonderful dentist and person.
The Colson Dental Group sends condolences to the Wardsworth's Family.
We always called Dr.Wardsworth, "Doc," he was our dentist for more than forty years, taking care of our family. We knew him as an upperclassman at NCCU, he helped all people, and was a special human being. He always loved his music, always calm, always fair, always with a sense of humor, great advisor, and provided service to the less fortunate. We send Sheila and the family our condolences, and as he took care of his patients, he took care of his family. May he rest in peace. The Pinnix Family.. Jim and Gwen
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.