Thomas Gordon Ward, lovingly known as Gordy to family and friends, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2023, in Winston-Salem, NC. Born on September 21, 1952, Gordy was raised and spent most of his life in Mississippi. He served in the US Air Force and received a degree in education upon discharge. He then spent time in Chicago, where he sang professionally with the Chicago Lyric Opera, including productions with Placido Domingo.
Gordon later moved to New Orleans where he lived for over two decades. Music was his joy and he had a beautiful voice. He sang in dozens of productions for the New Orleans Opera. Gordon was the organist and cantor for many years at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church. He was also a singer for Christ Church Episcopal Church and at High Holy Days at Temple Sinai.
While in New Orleans, Gordon was a member and officer of the Mardi Gras Krewe of Petronius.
He retired from a career in government service. Gordon worked at the New Orleans Naval Reserve Personnel Center and later the Navy Shipyard in Pascagoula, MS. He was then hired at Stennis Space Center on the Gulf Coast and worked with the Department of Homeland Security.
Gordon has many friends from his time in New Orleans and spent many happy days with them. He moved to Winston-Salem, NC in 2022 to be closer to his family.
Gordon was beloved as a gentle and warm-hearted brother, uncle, and cousin. He loved to travel and was always willing to help his family. Gordon cared for his parents and other relatives as they aged, and he was always generous with his time and love.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas John Ward and Ruby Gordon Williams Ward, and a brother Roy Emmett Ward. Survivors include his sisters Beverly Ward of Washington, DC, and Linda Ward Felts and husband Jim of Christiansburg, VA; niece Annie Felts Mayo, husband Trey and daughter Charlotte, of Winston-Salem, NC; niece Sarah Felts and daughter Ruby of King, NC; nephew Jesse Felts; Roy’s wife Ann Ward of Jackson, MS, and numerous cousins and friends.
Family and friends will gather at the Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Raymond, MS on December 30 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. A graveside service will be held at Salem Baptist Church cemetery at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ASPCA or the charity of your choice.
For contact with his family and friends, write to WestHughes@aol.com
