Funeral service for Retired MSG Earnest Albert Ward, Jr., 79 of Killeen, TX will be held Friday, May 20, 2022, 12:00 p.m. at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home in Killeen, TX. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) at the funeral home.

Mr. Ward passed away May 5, 2022, in Killeen, TX. He was born November 8, 1942, in Hamilton, NC.

Services can be viewed via Zoom - Meeting ID - 4778772534     Passcode - Ward

Earnest Albert Ward, Jr., was born on November 8, 1942, to the late Lucille and Earnest "Pete" Albert Ward, Sr. in Hamilton, N.C.  While he was the sixth child born out of ten to this union, being the first boy, he was always very special to the family and favored by God with strong intellect, excellent organizational skills, and leadership abilities.

Earnest's primary education was in Hamilton, N.C. where he did well in school and learned the value of hard work and perseverance.  At about age 16, Earnest moved with the family from North Carolina to New York.  Adjusting to the big city was a great adventure and he enjoyed meeting others, family gatherings, going fishing, going to Coney Island, playing cards and dominos, and getting to know a new way of life.

Earnest loved to tell the story of going to the Army recruiting office with two long term friends to enlist—they backed out, however, upon being tested, the U.S. Army realized they had a jewel—Earnest scored very highly on their intelligence and aptitude tests and was immediately given the opportunity to train as a helicopter mechanic. This led Earnest to a long and lucrative career in the U.S. Army which began in February 1960.  He served two tours in Vietnam which earned him a Bronze Medal and other commendations.

Earnest was also stationed on active duty in Germany, Korea, Virginia, and Texas.  After completing over 20 years of service in the U.S. Army, Earnest retired as Master Sergeant.

Earnest's second career which lasted over 15 years was at J.B. Hunt, as a cross country truck driver. He loved this job as it gave him the opportunity to travel and visit family and friends who were all over the country.  He was honored with a certificate for driving "ONE MILLION SAFE MILES."

While Earnest said he believed in "The Good Lord," he said he did not ascribe to any organized religion.  He did get early religious education in Hamilton, N.C., as a Baptist and he said this belief sustained him.

Earnest leaves to mourn him: his wife of 48 years, Lucille; his two children, Derick Ward (Juanita), and Kimberly Wesley (Corinthian "Kunta"); grandchildren, Aseria Marie, Amir Earnest, Derick Jr, Rachel Marie, David Alexander, and Amari Lee.  He also leaves two sisters, Rachel Armston of Cincinnati, OH and Geraldine Robinson of Inglewood, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.