Mr. Howard Lee Ward, 84, of 859 Crawford Street, made his transition to his heavenly home on his birthday, January 15, 2009. Mr. Ward was very active and well known throughout the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County community. He will always be known by his smile and the by the many photos he has taken at various community events.

His role model was the principal of Kimberly Park Elementary School, Mr. A.H. Anderson, who taught him how to use the camera and dark room procedures. He was very active in the photography, dramatics, choral and vocal music at Atkins High School. Mr. Ward received Auto Mechanics, Vocational Industrial Education Certificate, B.S. Degree in Industrial Arts Education, and Master's Degree in Industrial Arts Education from N.C. A & T State University.

While enrolled at N.C. A & T State University, Mr. Ward served and participated in Public Relations, "Register" News Paper, and The Ayantee yearbook staff PHOTOGRAPHER. During this time, Mr. W.O. Bryant was the advisor 1947-1949, and then came Mr. Ellis F. Corbett 1949. Mr. Ward was named outstanding Senior in 1952. He was also a member of Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Mr. Ward shared his gifts and talents while teaching at the following: Henry Highland Garnett High School, Industrial Arts Teacher, Chestertown, MD, 1952 – 1954; Shipman Training School, Industrial Arts Teacher, Shipman, VA, 1954 – 1955; C. F. Pope High School, Industrial Arts, Mathematics and Driver Education Teacher, Burgaw, NC, 1955 – 1957; Anderson High School, Industrial Arts Teacher, Winston-Salem, NC, 1957 – 1984; and retired from Atkins Middle School, Industrial Arts Teacher, Winston-Salem, NC, 1984 – 1986.

He was active in the following past affiliations: Master of Salem Lodge No.139 (1981-84); Commander-In-Chief of King Solomon Consistory No.64 (1984-86); Illustrious Potentate of Sethos Temple No.170 (1986); Member of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina as Grand Photographer (1977-2006}; President of Phalanx Fraternity (1986-88) and (2002-2004); Member of Winston Lake Family YMCA Board of Management (1962-88); President of Forsyth County Industrial Arts Association; and President of Past Potentate's Council, of Sethos Temple No. 170.

Mr. Ward was recognized and received honors for the following: Howard L. Ward Vocational / Industrial Education Award (This Award is named in his honor after being a Teacher in this field for over 30 years); Alpha Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Alumni Brother of the Year (2008); Winston Lake Family YMCA Black Achievers Program Award (2005); R J Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award (2004) – Presented at Chronicle's 21st Annual Community Service Award Banquet; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 50 Year Award and Pin (2004); YMCA Leadership Award; The NAACP Rev. Joseph T. McMillian Community Service Award (2000); NAACP Life Membership Award (1998); ILL. William A Marsh, Jr. "Deputy's Award" ; Outstanding Service as "Marshall" of Salem Lodge #139 (2000-2001, 1999 & 1998); Happy Hill Reunion Service Award (1997); NAACP President's Award (1997); YMCA Century Club Award (1997); Atkins Middle School Student Council and Staff Awards (1986); United Supreme Council 33° Appreciation Award and various other Masonic Awards; and Outstanding Senior at A and T University (1952)

Mr. Ward was an active member at Shiloh Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC. He served as member of Trustee Board and a member of Laymen's League.

He precedes his parents, Rufus and Lodister P. Ward in death.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 54 years, Viola Amos Ward; two children, G. Michelle Ward and Howard L. Ward, II; former daughter-in-law Julene C. Ward and three grandchildren, Michael A. Francis, Jr., Michelle L. Ward and Janelle C. Ward.

Funeral service is will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at New Jerusalem Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held on Monday, January 19, 2009 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at New Jerusalem Baptist Church. Special thanks to CVS Pharmacy on West 4th Street, Dr. David Bohle, to Forsyth Medical Center 9th General and 6th West Tower II. Devoted cousins: Mattie McClendon, Betty Porter and Ella Blakley. In lieu of flowers, the family request that the public will please make donations to Winston-Lake YMCA in honor of Howard Lee Ward.