RALEIGH, N.C. - John Ward, past national president (1987-88) of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association (PHCC) and one of the founders of Watco Corp., passed away Oct. 18 after a battle with cancer. He was 83 years old.
According to PHCC's history book, The Heritage Unique, "His introduction of himself as simply ‘John Ward, Raleigh, North Carolina,' became his trademark, as was his presentation of a $2 bill to new acquaintances. ... Ward's name and address also were included. Ward called this his ‘calling card.'" Mr. Ward served in WWII and graduated from North Carolina State University's (NCSU) School of Engineering. He was an Honorary Elder at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church.