Raleigh V Ward Sr

Memories are the legacy of Love

Raleigh Vincent Ward Sr., 69, of Bluffton, SC, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, after a hard fought battle with dementia. He was born January 10, 1956 in Beaufort, SC to Elmer Vincent Ward (“Bo”) and Katharine Fabian Ward, who have both preceded him in death. Raleigh was a well known and loved man in his community, working at South Island Public Service District on Hilton Head Island for 30+ years and was your go-to man if you had a problem, needed something fixed, or just needed a good laugh about a story from the past.

Raleigh would do anything for the people he loved. He was a protector, provider, and would give anyone the shirt off his back. A very serious man that HATED to be late to anything, but also was a free spirit and the life of the party. His all-time favorite hobby was going to the local car dealerships to look at cars bright and early every Sunday morning, and more often than not, buying one. He loved to get out on the dance floor, listen to good music, golf, watch NASCAR (and even did some racing at Oglethorpe Speedway himself) and football. He was a South Carolina Gamecocks fan and most of all, a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. He would never miss a game and his kids had no choice but to also be Cowboys fans; it was a rule.

Raleigh was a loving and devoted father to Brittany Ward, Ryan (Taylor) Ward, and Raleigh Ward Jr.; Step father to Bryan Nolen and Samantha Flowers; and adopted and took on the father role to Michael (Misty) Graham and Charlie Ward. He was a husband to Carol Ward and a loving brother to Mickey (Jody) Ward, Turley (Julie) Ward, Roger Ward, Mark Jackson, Mike Jackson, and Janet Jackson Studdard and proud uncle to about a million nieces and nephews. His legacy will continue to live on through his many grandchildren as well, (Noah, Madden, Nash, Mackenzie, Hannah, Raleigh III, Benjamin, Braden, JC, Melanie, Cheyanne, Jade, and Summer) who were the lights of his life! Raleigh is truly loved and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

A Memorial/Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 21,2025 at the Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM where friends and family will gather to honor and remember the great man that Raleigh was. There will be music, food, and non alcoholic beverages provided, but feel free to BYOB. Please scroll to the bottom to RSVP if you are able to attend. Thank you!