Thomas James Ward, Jr.'s Obituary
Thomas James Ward, Jr., 58, of Chattanooga, passed away Friday, September 19, 2025, in a local hospital. He was educated in the Chattanooga Public Schools. He was the Mascot for Howard High School and graduated with the Class of 1985.
Thomas was a landlord for the Meeting Company. He was a faithful member of Revival International.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jacqueline Yvonne Ward; father, Thomas James Ward, Sr.; niece, Jernay Cal; grandfather, Alex P. Rice; uncles, Donald Rice, Clarence Ward, and Darren Ward.
Survivors include his life-long friend of 35 years, Antoinette Early; brothers, Teato Ward and Willie (Carolyn) Simmons, both of Chattanooga; sisters, Yvette (Wayne) Johnson of Atlanta, GA, Jacqueline Thomas, Elaine Jordan, and Karla (Gary) Lansden, all of Chattanooga; uncles, Johnny Ward of Buford, GA, Vincent Ward, Wilter Thomas, Toney Thomas, and David Lee Ward, all of Chattanooga; aunts, Pearleene Smith, Yvonne Ward, Alice Faye Ward, and Wanda Ward, all of Chattanooga; a host of nieces; nephews; special great-niece, Nyreona “Chickenloo” Ward who followed him in Christ; and many cousins; and many friends.
Thomas will lie-in-state on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 1-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel with Pastor Matthew Boameh as the Eulogist. Burial in Highland Memorial Gardens.
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