Michael William Ward

Michael William Ward, 69, of Myrtle Beach, SC, was called home to God to be reunited with his two sons, Michael and Nick, on September 9, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer.  Michael was born on September 17, 1954, to John and Ruth Ward of Kearny, NJ.  He graduated from Kearny High School in 1972 and continued his education at Jersey City State College.  He retired as an OMCC Operations Improvement Lead Shift Supervisor from a long career at Phillips 66 Oil Refinery in Linden, NJ.  He was also a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus.  

Originally from Kearny, NJ, he lived in Brick, NJ for most of his married life. Michael and his wife, Laurie, moved to their retirement home in Myrtle Beach, SC.  He followed his dream to play golf every chance he could and tried to catch the big one by fishing when he wasn’t golfing. He gave back to the community by volunteering at a local hospital. But most of all, he enjoyed his retirement years with his wife, Laurie, and spending time with his grandchildren. He also dabbled in a little poetry and always made us smile with his limericks. 

Michael is predeceased by two sons, Michael Jr, and Nicholas Charles. He is survived by: His loving wife of 15 years, Laurie Berkson Ward. His first wife and the mother of his children-Darlene Ward Garner. His daughters-Michele Willis, Keri and son-in-law John Hefferon. His step daughters-Alyson Graev, Stephanie and son-in-law Todd Riedel.  His grandchildren-John and Nicole Hefferon and Bennett Riedel. His brother Robert Ward and sister-in-law Debi of Cochecton, NY. His sister Patricia and his brother-in-in-law James Gaffney of Brick, NJ.  And numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, that will miss him dearly.
 

Services will be Friday, September 13, 2024 at 10:00 am at McMillan-Small Funeral Home and Crematory.  A Celebration of Life will follow at a later date in Brick, NJ.
 
In lieu of flowers we request that a donation be made to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Memory of Michael W. Ward or to the American Cancer Society.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael William Ward, please visit our floral store.