Earl Richard "Dickie" Ward, Jr., 84, of Crisfield, died Monday, June 19, 2023 at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional.

Born in Crisfield on November 19, 1938, he was a son of the late Earl Richard Ward, Sr., and Maxine Novella McCready Ward.

He was a graduate of Crisfield High School class of 1956 and was a Radar Specialist during his service in the United States Air Force.  He worked at Delmarva Power for 30 years retiring as district manager and was owner of his own electrical business, M & W Electrical.

Dickie was very active in his community and enjoyed volunteering for numerous organizations and events including Crisfield Chamber of Commerce, National Hard Crab Derby Association, former Crisfield Rotary Club where he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow award, Crisfield Heritage Foundation and Tawes Museum, Crisfield Elks Lodge #1044, Chesapeake Masonic Lodge #147 AF&AM, Tangier Sound Country Music Festival, Somerset County Economic Development Commission Advisory Board, Electrical Licensing Board, and was a recipient of the Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay award.  He also attended Immanuel United Methodist Church and was a Baltimore Colts fan.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Peggy J. Ward; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Billy Hartman; daughter, Kathy Ward; brother, David Ward; sister and brother-in-law, Donna Mae and Tommy Milanowski; daughter-in-law, Jessie Ward; his beloved dog, Ziggy; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Richard "Rick" Ward; and his grandson, James Richard "Ricky" Ward, Jr.

Funeral services will be Friday, June 23, 2023 at 2 PM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home where a viewing will be one hour prior.  Pastors Jim Riley and Paul Holland will officiate.  Interment will follow in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crisfield Fire Dept., P.O. Box 591; or Lower Somerset County Ambulance and Rescue Squad, LSCARS, P.O. Box 406; both Crisfield, MD 21817.