William M. Ward “Bill”, 83, of Crisfield departed his earthly life on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Tawes Nursing and Rehabilitation Home in Crisfield, Maryland. Born March 28, 1943, to the late Howard O. Ward, Sr. and Mary Marie Ward.
William received his education in the Somerset County Public School System.
William was employed with Mrs. Paul’s Kitchen, the seafood industry, and Perdue Farms where he retired.
William “Bill” Ward met and married Ella James.
He attended and served as a Deacon and member at Highway Holiness Church under the pastorate his aunt, Dorothy Holden. He loved going to church, Bible Study and singing. William “Bill” loved his children and loved hanging out with his brothers and family. When William became a grandfather, that was such an overjoying moment for him. He could not get enough of saying I am your Pop Pop and saying and laughing at it with such joy in his voice. William was a member of the Crisfield Elks Pride Lodge #194 of Crisfield.
William M. Ward was better known as “Bill” by all who knew and loved him. He was a Loving and Caring father, husband, brother, grandfather and friend.
He leaves to cherish his memories with three children: Lamont of Crisfield, Vanessa (Arnold) of Aldan, PA, and Sharon (Felix) of Philadelphia, PA; four brothers, Howard (Sylvia) Ward, of Salisbury, MD, Armstead (Georgetta) Ward of Memphis, TN, Tyrone (Ty) Ward of Baltimore, MD and Ronnie Ward of Crisfield; two sisters, Barbara Ward of Crisfield and Stephanie Ward of Salisbury; one aunt, Pastor Dorothy Holden of Hopewell, 16 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by, his wife, Ella Ward, a son, William Howard Martin; his daughter, Rosemary Forchion; his granddaughter, Shanell’e Forchion a brother, James “Sneaky Pete” Ward; three sisters, Ollie Diane “Sissy” Ward, Vera Shirley “Lil Bits” Ward and Elsie “Poochie” Ward; his grandmother, Caroline Ward.
A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Highway Holiness Church 27127 Old State Rd., Crisfield, MD with a viewing one hour prior. A Viewing will also be held 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Friday, April 24, 2026 at the church where Ceremonial Rites will be held by The Crisfield Elks Lodge #194 at 7:00 PM.
Interment will be at Asbury Cemetery, Crisfield, MD.
21 Responses
Prayers to the family for strength and comfort 🙏🏾❤️
Ward family, we are saddened to hear of the passing of cousin Bill. We pray to God for peace and comfort during this very sad period.
George, Lloyd, and Samuel
So sorry for your loss.
My sincerest condolences to my dear family on the loss of our beloved Bill. I am certain that God will be with you during these very difficult times. May you find peace in the love and memories shared with our loved one. I am praying that you find strength and comfort as you navigate through this season of loss. 🙏🏾
Fondly,
Dawn Outen James
Prayers goes out to the Ward family
My condolences and prayers to the Family! I pray that GOD gives each of you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Cousin Bill was an amazing Man who had love for everyone. His kind and gentle spirit will be forever in my memories!
My condolences to the family 🙏🙏
My Condolences to the family Mr.Ward was a very sweet man.
Sending my condolences to the family. I will truly miss picking you up and laughing all the way to dialysis. You’re at peace now, no more pain. Sending hugs to the heavenly skies.
Sorry to hear about Pop Bill.He will truly be missed. Condolences to all the family.
My Deepest Condolences To The Family💐🙏🏾❤️
Rest in peace my brother we were classmates our prayers go out too the family. Love and Blessings.
I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Ward Family. May our Heavenly Father be a comforter and give you strength. Love and prayers, June L. Brumfield
Deepest condolences to the family .
My condolences to the family my cuz inlaw gone,but never be forgotten. We truly will miss that AWSOME laugh often yours.Rip cuz
Rest in peace my brother. We are classmates from 1962. Keeping the family in prayer.
My Condolences and Prayers to the Family…You Will Be Dearly Missed. Rest In Heavenly Peace Dear Cousin 💔🙏
May the God that we love and serve protect you through these tough times .
Cubby and Dee Hall
Our deepest condolences and prayers to the family. Uncle Bill you will be missed, but we look forward to seeing you again as our Father has promised.
Sending condolences to the family
I am so terribly sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Ward. He was a pleasure to be around and speak to in my encounters with him at the bank. I loved hearing his stories about church, his kids, grandkids and wife. I wish I had known this happened, I had no idea until his daughter called me. Rest in peace Mr. Ward & prayers to the family.