Barry "Ward" Willis Jr.

Barry Ward Willis Jr., 57, of Beaufort, passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, November 17, 2016.

A celebration of Ward’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Munden Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Taylor Mills officiating.

“Wardy” was born on a beautiful Sunday afternoon on October 4, 1959 in Morehead City. As a young boy growing up on Craven Street in Beaufort, Ward enjoyed the waterfront, boats, Duke Marine Laboratory, and his childhood friends. Ward was proud of obtaining his Captain’s license and was a Captain on a variety of boats. He successfully started Diamond City Smoked Seafood in 1990, one of the first fish-smoking businesses in the area. He was also a commercial fisherman, a successful car salesman, and a fine carpenter. Ward loved his family, the ocean and sounds of eastern North Carolina, the mountains, Wyoming, and his Recovery Community. Ward had wonderful people skills, never met a stranger, and loved everyone he met. Ward suffered from depression, a disease that killed him. All of us regret that we will not grow old with Ward. We will miss him so.

Ward is survived by his son, Stacy Dee Willis and grandson, Stacy “Dee Boy” Willis Jr, of Williston, NC; mother, Berta Fodrie Smith and husband Wade of McLean, VA; brothers, Hampton Smith and wife Robin of Great Falls, VA, James H. Smith and wife Leigh of Jackson, WY, Zack Willis of Morehead City, NC, and James Willis of Beaufort, NC; and sister, Hadley Willis Fulcher and husband Corey of Atlantic, NC.

Ward was preceded in death by his father, Barry W. Willis; his paternal grandparents, Cora and James B. Willis; and maternal grandparents, Snowden “Pappy” Thompson and Dee Fodrie Thompson.

The family will welcome friends from 1 to 2 PM at Munden Funeral Home in Morehead City.

Ward loved the mountains, wildlife, and the Recovery Community of the Jackson Hole region in Wyoming, where his brother Jim lives. In lieu of flowers, we know that Ward would ask you to make a donation to Teton Youth and Family Services, PO Box 2631, Jackson, WY 83001, a non-profit organization that helps troubled and at-risk young people in northwestern Wyoming.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Morehead City, NC.