Ward Myron Deese

Ward Myron Deese, whose skilled brick masonry stands in countless homes and structures and whose dedication to friends and family remains in so many hearts, died peacefully at his beloved Dudley Road home on Monday, March 24, 2025, age 68.

He was born August 15, 1956, in Union County to Doris Helms Hargett and the late Garrison Deese. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Maurice Deese.

Ward grew up in what he considered the perfect childhood setting of rural Union County, spending every possible minute outdoors and trying to match the steps of his grandparents, who lived just through the woods. After graduating from Forest Hills High School, he avidly pursued—--and accomplished—--three of his biggest dreams: establishing his own masonry business, building a forever home on his grandparents’ land, and marrying his childhood sweetheart, Penelope Rorie.

From modest single-family homes to grand mansions, bank buildings, development entrances and college clock towers, he led his company through nearly four decades of building throughout the Carolinas. For years, he would drive from hot days on job sites straight to coach practice at a little league baseball or softball field. He might have been dedicated to his profession as a bricklayer, but he was passionate about his job as a coach for his son, daughter and so many other young south Union County athletes.

Once his children grew older, he turned his love of history into a new passion: Civil War reenacting. For more than 25 years, he and his fellow members of Latham’s Battery traveled throughout the Southeast sharing their love of history and building memories together. If you lived within a mile radius of upper Dudley Road and wondered why your windows suddenly rattled, Ward and his buddies were usually to blame.

At home, landscaping was Ward’s passion. From planting ornamental trees to laying brick pathways to finding the perfect black-eyed Susan, he spent decades gradually building his dream outdoor oasis. He lived to enjoy an easy golf cart ride around the yard with his grandsons Waylon and Ronan, or to watch his grandsons Gus and Bo cast lines from the pond banks. He did this all alongside his favorite gardening partner, Penny. Together they would work all day to plant the perfect seasonal bed, then enjoy a cool rest under the porch fans to admire their work.

Although neighbors, sparks truly began to fly between Ward and his future gardening partner the summer following fifth grade at Beulah Presbyterian’s vacation Bible school. After marrying in the same sanctuary in 1978, they would spend the next 46 years becoming each other’s favorite partner in nearly everything: gardening, traveling, and especially dancing. He loved exploring the world with her. From sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, Maine, to Norwegian fjords to a magical drive through Scotland and so many idyllic locations in between, they made memories and shared laughs around the globe.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the chapel of Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe, NC 28112. The family will receive friends following the service.

Ward is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Penelope Rorie Deese, and son, Zachary Ward Deese (Leah), daughter Penelope McClenny (Justin), sister Sandra Davis (Jerry), and four grandsons, Angus Ward McClenny, Bowen Clyde McClenny, Waylon James Deese and Ronan Ward Deese.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralervice.com.

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to be entrusted to care for the Deese Family.