John Albert Ward Jr.

John Albert Ward, Jr., 71, a long time resident of Aldie, VA, passed away July 25, 2022 at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, surrounded by family and knowing that he was loved dearly by his family and friends. He fought aggressively against his battle with stage 4 lung cancer, which later metastasized to his spinal fluid, a relatively rare occurrence.

Born August 2, 1950, he was the son of Claudette Crouch Ward and the late John Albert Ward, Sr. He grew up in Fairfax, VA the eldest of 8 children, and was interested in genealogy and American History. He graduated from W. T. Woodson High School in 1969, and was drafted in the U.S. Army where he served his country during the Vietnam War.

John was a man that took pride in his heritage, his family, his community, and his country. He was a former member of the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department, Co. 17. As an avid Civil War relic collector and re-enactor, he shared his experiences and knowledge while being a curator at the Stuart Mosby Museum. He was a member and participated in various historical groups - American Legion - Post 34, Grande du Virginia - 40&8, Sons of the Confederacy, Relic Club, Stuart Mosby Historical Society, and the Historic Centreville Society. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and was a frequent spectator at various NASCAR events.

He was preceded in death by his father and two brothers, Bill and Jimmy Ward. Survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Ward; children Jennifer and Christina Ward and Tom Watson (Asia); his 5 grandchildren, Bailey, Tommy, Alek, Hannah and Shelby; his mother, Claudette Crouch Ward; five siblings, Linda Mellott (David); Norma Apone , Ted Ward; Karen Sica (Phil); Judy Ward (Mark Zuza); Sister-In-Laws, Beth Ward and Carol Brown (Bill); and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and friends.

A visitation for John will be held on Monday, August 1 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the Demaine Fairfax Funeral Home, 10565 Main Street, Fairfax, VA. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 2 at 1:00 pm at Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Centreville Road, Centreville, VA.

Interment will follow at Fairfax City Cemetery, 10567 Main Street, Fairfax, VA. Following the interment, there will be a reception/celebration of life at American Legion - Post 34, located at 401 Old Waterford Road NW, Leesburg, VA where friends and family are invited to share their memories of John.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John Ward's memory may be made to the American Legion-Post 34, 401 Old Waterford Road NW, Leesburg, VA 20176.