David Bernard Ware Jr

Mr. David Bernard Ware Jr., age 39 of Cameron, NC transitioned into eternal rest on Sunday, July 4, 2021, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

DAVID BERNARD WARE, JR. made his grand entrance into our world on March 3, 1982, in Washington, District of Columbia as the oldest of two children and the only son of the late
David Bernard Ware, Sr. and Laura Washington Ware. His family moved to Harnett County, North Carolina where DAVID matriculated through the Harnett County School System.

DAVID’s spiritual foundation commenced at Love Grove African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Sanford NC. He was baptized in the Methodist faith as an infant and became an active participant in every ministry of the church, especially the music department. His melodic voice echoed through the hearts of so many people at church and beyond. He represented the Dunn-Lillington District and the Central North Carolina Conference of the AME Zion Church by competing and winning first-place trophies in the youth talent competitions singing one of his signature songs: “If I Can Help Somebody.” DAVID was always willing to share his gift of voice on any occasion - singing with many choirs as a soloist, a lead singer, and even as a background singer. People loved to hear our “SPONIE” (as he was affectionately called in our family) sing the songs of Zion and of hope. His most recent ministry contribution included worshipping God at Christ Cathedral of the Triad, Winston-Salem NC, serving as an adjutant for the presiding prelate and a praise team member. In addition to his melodious voice, “SPONIE” was gifted the art of precision and perfection. He was a self-taught interior designer, master chef, and fashion designer. His most recent accomplishments were creating fashion accessories such as cuff links, lapel pins, and hats. Above all, he was a lover of Christ, his mother’s protector, his sisters’ biggest cheerleader, his nieces’ kindest disciplinarian, his cousins’ comedian, his friends’ entertainer, his community’s soloist, and the enthusiastic one of “The Oily Crew.” He is also remembered by his various nicknames: “Spanky” (from his sister and nieces) “Curly,” (from his grandfather, Peter), and “Pooh” (from his godparents).

In the early hours of Sunday, July 4, 2021, our beloved “SPONNIE” made his grand finale from the toils and labors of this world and commenced his eternal debut in the glorious celestial choir around the throne of God. “Gone too soon” is our sentiment but we give adoration and praise to God for enriching our lives with one of God’s greatest gifts and blessings – DAVID BERNARD WARE, JR.

Preceding him in death are his father: David Bernard Ware, Sr.; his paternal grandparents: Ozene and Izora Ware; his maternal grandparents: Peter and Julia McAuley Washington; his uncle: Peter R. Washington; and his godparents: Melvin and Tamar Upchurch (uncle/aunt). The precious and treasured memories of DAVID’S charming personality and wit will be etched in the hearts and souls of his mother: Laura W. Ware; his sisters: Julia Ashley Ware and Adelle Hall; his nieces: Jolie and Jace (his princesses); his brother-in-love: Jamil Hopkins; his uncles and aunts: Sandra Reed, Jerome Washington (Algiareen), Earl Washington (Sandra), Reverend Vera Smith (Willie) – his second “mom”, Kathy Washington, Kathy Ware Richards (Roy), Sandra Ware Johnson (Dennis), and Janice Ware; and his great-aunts: Vinelle McAuley Pearson, Johnella McAuley, and Ernestine McAuley. DAVID had a very close connection with all his cousins, his god-siblings, and his spiritual grandparents: Reverend Charles and Mother Mary Chalmers. DAVID was raised in the “Village of Love Grove” and was considered a “son” or “brother” to the following: Calvin and Evelyn Tucker and family, Mary Bell Swann and family, Judith Swann Pullum and family, Sabrina Chalmers Baldwin and family, Lenora Berryman Moore and Family, and David and Annette McAllister and family. He was blessed with a plethora of friends, including but not limited to Conrad Swann, Gardell Berryman, Kowinda Palmer, Travis Darby, Portia and Hope Manley, the McNeill sisters, and Johnsonville AME Zion Church. “To God be the glory!”

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