Willard "Smokey" Clifton Ward, Jr.

Willard “Smokey” Clifton Ward, Jr., 76, of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his devoted family. Born March 2, 1950, in Prince Frederick, Maryland, Smokey was the son of Willard C. Ward, Sr. and Estelle “Sue” Ward. Throughout his life, he answered every call to serve—first as a soldier, then as a police officer, homicide detective, firefighter, elected official, waterman, and most importantly, as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

In December 1968, Smokey answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He proudly served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam War until July 1970. His military service instilled in him a lifelong sense of duty, integrity, and commitment that remained with him throughout his life. Following his military service, Smokey continued his dedication to public service as a Police Officer for the Town of Chesapeake Beach from 1975 to 1977. His passion for serving his community led him to elected office, where he proudly served as a Chesapeake Beach Town Councilman from 1980 to 1984.

In 1984, Smokey began what would become a distinguished 23-year career with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C.  As a Homicide Detective, he investigated some of the region’s most complex and challenging cases before retiring in 2007. He earned the respect of his fellow officers through his professionalism, integrity, and unwavering pursuit of justice. In addition to his military and law enforcement service, Smokey was a lifetime member of the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department, where he proudly supported and served his community for many years. Service to others was not simply something he did—it was who he was.

Outside of his career in public service, Smokey’s heart belonged to the Chesapeake Bay. An avid waterman, he spent countless hours on the Bay as a commercial crabber and proudly owned and operated his charter fishing boat, The Investigator. Some of his happiest days were spent on the water, sharing stories, laughter, and his love of fishing and crabbing with family, friends, and those fortunate enough to join him aboard The Investigator. The Chesapeake Bay was more than a place to Smokey—it was home.

Above all else, Smokey’s greatest joy was his family. On February 13, 1971, he married the love of his life, Carolyn “King” Ward. Together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage, creating a lifetime of cherished memories and building a family that was the center of Smokey’s world.

He was the devoted father of Stacy Ward Milor (Robert). “Pop” to his grandchildren, Kayla Ward, Holley Armstrong (Kyle), Meadow Wilkerson, Mason Milor, Reece Milor and Peyton Armstrong.

Smokey will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud “Pop,” respected veteran, dedicated police officer, firefighter, public servant, loyal friend, and Chesapeake Bay waterman. His life was one of honor, sacrifice, compassion, and unwavering commitment to others. His legacy will live on in the family he loved and the communities he faithfully served. Smokey is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Carolyn Ward; his daughter, Stacy Ward Milor (Robert); his grandchildren, Kayla Ward, Holley Armstrong (Kyle), Meadow Wilkerson, Mason Milor, Reece Milor and Peyton Armstrong. His siblings, Carolyn Croson, Wayne Ward (Dawn), and Deborah Poe; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, fellow veterans, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard C. Ward, Sr. and Estelle “Sue” Ward, and his siblings, Johnny Ward and Peggy Hooper.

A Celebration of Life honoring Smokey will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department.

Throughout his life, Smokey answered every call to serve. Though his watch has ended, his example of honor, courage, and selfless service will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

“A true waterman never really leaves the Chesapeake Bay. His spirit lives in every sunrise, every changing tide, and every gentle breeze across the water he loved.”