Wayne M. Ward, age 98, passed away on August 30, 2026, in Diamondhead, MS. Born February 21, 1928, in Belmont, MS

Wayne with his parents and siblings moved to Long Beach, where he was a lifelong resident. There he met the love of his life, Marie Winstead. They married August 7, 1948, and went on to raise two sons, Steven Wayne Ward and Marcus Land Ward.

As it turned out, Wayne was very adept in the area of sales. Through his lifelong pursuit of this occupation, he sold Edsel automobiles, pianos, insurance, furniture, real estate, and rumor has it, possibly, some snake oil. He also was an avid fisherman and had been known to catch a fish or two of which there was some confusion about the size.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; his son and daughter in law, Mark and Shari; his parents, Jesse and Bessie; his brother, Lewis; and his sister, Joyce McCauley.

Wayne is survived by one son and daughter in law, Steve and Sonia Ward; 8 grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach, Mississippi. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Long Beach City Cemetery.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is honored to serve the Ward family.