Wade ("Skipper") Ward, Jr.

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, Ivory Redmond,  Allen A. “Duck “Jones, Teldo Pettis, Jr., and the Hodges Family.

Skipper fondly and proudly worked for Mr. Nathan Hodges, Jr., with Hodges Funeral Service from his teenage years through adulthood. He delivered medication for Blaylock Drugstore. 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 post-retirement, 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.

Skipper was preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Rosie Ward, and his sister, Pamela Ward and long time childhood friends, Andrew “Tank” Frierson and Stanley A. 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 a 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.

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; and his great nephews Jeremiah (Brittany) Winfield 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.

I am also setting up a Memorial Fund in Skipper’s name

Here is the information for that:

Also, In honor of the life, legacy, and servant heart of Skipper, we ask that in lieu of flowers or plants (funeral sprays for Skipper are fine because those are for gravesite and to honor him), please make a donation to Empower Advocacy Oxford, Incorporated.

Founded by Dr. Shanika Ward, Empower Advocacy Oxford, Incorporated is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting underserved and at-risk individuals and families through advocacy, healthcare navigation, hunger relief, andcommunity-based programs designed to help individuals overcome barriers and live with dignity and purpose.

Skipper’s life was marked by service, compassion, and a genuine love for people. In his honor, your donation will help establish a memorial fund at the Oxford Dialysis Clinic to support patients in need, while also continuing his legacy of caring for families throughout our community.

To make a donation, please use one of the options below:

• Square: https://square.link/u/QpaFqYYh?src=sheet

• Cash App: https://cash.app/$ShaDesigns

Your generosity is deeply appreciated, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law through Empower Advocacy Oxford, Incorporated, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 333837137.

Thank you for honoring Skipper’s memory in a meaningful and impactful way.