- Date Of Birth: April 27, 1961
- Date Of Death: February 4, 2022
- State: Maryland
John Anthony Ward, Sr., known to many as “Tony”, was born to the late James Ward and Catherine Lee on April 27, 1961 in Washington, DC. During his childhood he attended New Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church of Christ. In 2002, he joined Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Terry D. Streeter.
John enlisted in the Navy immediately after high school to serve his Country and see the world. He was part of the crash and salvage crew on the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier from 1979 until his Honorable Discharge in 1985. From 1985 – 2002, John was a local truck driver where he made lifelong friends. His driving and handyman skills were taught to him by his beloved stepfather, Bennie Oliphant. In 2003, he made a career change and became a certified network computer technician.
John loved buying, fixing up, and driving cars and trucks. His family never knew when a new vehicle would appear in their driveway. His favorite cars included a blue and white 1955 Chevy Bel Air and a 1980 El Camino which he rebuilt with his friends.
Over a 20-year period John was a foster parent to 10 children (ages 6 – 18 years old) from numerous racial and ethnic backgrounds. He also volunteered as a weekly driver for the Colesville Meals on Wheels for over a decade.
John was a giving man who enjoyed talking to his elders, playing with his dogs and cats, and cooking delicious dinners for his family. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Dr. Rochelle Rollins; sons John “Tony” Ward, Jr., Brandon Rollins (Chanelle); grandson, Jaylen Rollins; sisters Leslie Ward, Nicole “Cotton” Ward; in-laws Dr. Verdise Rollins and Dr. Iris Jeffries-Morton; aunts Annie Lee, Minnie Mitchell, Floraine King; uncle Charlie D. Lee; and a host of loving cousins, nieces, a nephew, other family, and friends.
