Carl "C.E." Edistor Ward, Jr.

Carl “C.E.” Edistor Ward, Jr., 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on June 7, 1944, C.E. was a native and lifelong resident of Poquoson, Virginia, and a proud, true “Bull Islander” through and through. Dedicated to the safety and well-being of his hometown, he served the Poquoson Fire Department for over 40 years until his retirement in 2006, earning the distinction of becoming the city's very first paid Fire Chief. To C.E., the people of Poquoson were far more than residents—he knew everyone by name, felt a personal responsibility for each of them, and considered them close friends and neighbors. His calm composure, strength, and heart for service left an indelible mark on the community he protected.

A man of deep and steadfast faith, C.E. served in the church ministries and shared his love of God through his gift of music. When he wasn't on a firetruck or out on the water, C.E. could almost always be found sitting at the piano. His musical talent was a gift he shared generously, demonstrated through his routine commitment to playing the Prelude and accompanying the men’s worship group each week.

C.E. also found immense joy aboard his boat, The Sparrow. Whether he was fishing, crabbing, or gathering oysters, the waterways of Poquoson were where he felt most at home. Above all, C.E. will be remembered for his gentle yet unwavering spirit, his humble leadership, and his profound devotion to his family.

C.E. was preceded in death by his parents, Carl E. Ward, Sr. and Eva Evans Ward; his beloved sisters, Joy Robinson and Sylvia Wood, and his brother, Carl Evans Ward.

His legacy of love lives on through his cherished wife of nearly 64 years, Dorothy Ward; his loving daughters, Rebecca Shamblin (Robert) and Cassie Rodgers (Brett); his grandchildren, Bobby Shamblin (Nicole), Ashley VanFleet (Josiah), Jonathan Rodgers (Brittany), Esther Rodgers, Laura Wasileski (Justin), and Christopher Rodgers; and his twelve great-grandchildren, Micaiah, Isla, Aaliyah, Petra, Ezekiel, Uriah, Lucy, Judah, Cora, Charlie, James, and Penny. He also leaves behind a host of extended family, including many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved as his own.

A celebration of C.E.’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home (836 Poquoson Ave, Poquoson, VA), officiated by Pastor Johnie Hinson. The family will receive friends during a viewing on Friday, July 31, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Poquoson Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department, to which he dedicated his life (P.O. Box 2404, Poquoson, VA 23662). Please include C.E.’s name with your contribution so the family may acknowledge your generosity.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.

Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carl "C.E." Edistor Ward, Jr., please visit our floral store.