Thermond Junior Ward, Sr. was born to the late Charlie Mayo and Pinkie Lee Ward in Greenville North Carolina on July 16, 1928. He was the 7th of 14 children. He attended school in Nash County North Carolina and joined the United States Army on August 25, 1953, where he received an honorable discharge in 1955.

He was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life Percell Avent on July 11, 1955. This union was blessed with four children. A few years later he moved his family to Washington, DC to pursue better opportunities. While living in Washington, he joined the Corinthian Baptist Church
where he was a faithful member until his psssing. He served on the Deacons Ministry, Mens Club, Mens Chorus, and Ushers Ministry. He also drove the senior bus and was the sexton at the 500 I Street, NW location.

Thermond was employed at Sears, Pepco, and retired from M.S. Ginns Office Supplies after 24 years of service. Deciding that sitting at home was not for him, he then went to work part-time at DARCARS Chrysler Jeep for 18 years until his health started to decline. His favorite pastimes were watching baseball, wrestling, his favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys, his newfound passion—horse racing—and judge shows. He was a hard-working, caring man with a gentle spirit who loved his family and friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

On Sunday, November 27, 2022, Thermond transitioned from this life to eternal rest peacefully in his home. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 67 years Percell, children Bettie Joyce Murray, Thermond Ward Jr., Marvin Ward, and Katrina Ward-Green (Gregory); granddaughter Michelle Murray, grandson Marvin Lewis, and bonus grandson Marc Green; brother Reverend Mann Thomas Ward, sister-in-law Jennie Ward, his bonus daughter Mina Evans Alston (Claude), nieces who held a special place in his heart Patricia Young (Carlos), Debra Arrington (George), and Angela Ward Henry (Kevin), and a host of other nieces, nephews, and friends.