Richard Newcome Ward, affectionately known as “Rich Dollar”, “Brown Water Rich Porter”
peacefully passed away early on October 18, 2024. Richard was the fourth of five children born to Lue
Richard and Wanda M. Ward, Jr., in Brooklyn, NY, on September 12, 1985.
Education would begin for Richard in the public schools of NY however, after a few family
moves, he started first grade (age 6) in Suffolk (VA) Public Schools in the city that would become his
home. An “artistic kid” from the very beginning, Richard made his acting “debut” playing the “Big Bad
Wolf” in an elementary school play. The crowd, his teachers and classmates loved him in that role and he
was hooked!
As he grew and matured, Richard proved to be a strong and brave leader among his peers through
middle and high school. He graduated from Nansemond River High School (Suffolk, VA) in 2003. He
really began to flourish as a young man and a Christian after accepting the Lord via the Holy Spirit, early
in his life. After high school, Richard became a “Spartan” at Norfolk State University (Norfolk, VA)
where he found his true calling as a Mass Communications/ Mass Comm major. He graduated in 2007.
While at NSU, Richard and his sister, Sophia would become forever “bonded” as they began to spend
many nights sharing their mutual passion for the arts. They would learn and teach each other. They
would help each other mold and shape their craft as actors and musicians while learning and fine tuning
their “niche” in the entertainment industry and mass media. Their embrace and connection to this area of
their lives was indeed beautiful to watch.
After graduation from NSU, Richard had the opportunity to become an intern for the director and
media icon, Spike Lee and was featured in one of Lee’s movies, “The Miracle of Saint Anna”. As a part
of Lee’s entourage, Richard traveled with Lee and went to Italy to experience the location of the movie.
Admiring his character and demeanor, Lee, a native New Yorker who didn’t drive, often requested Richard
to be his chauffeur, not only here in the States but at various locations around the world as well. He
would often share his “Spike Lee” stories with his siblings, family and friends.
Richard learned a great deal about the “industry” with Lee as mentor, however, he got his culinary
“chops” from his Mom! He didn’t mind hard work and was a hard worker. Passion for music- any genre
of music- grew and he started his own music and clothing brands, HMG (Henny Muzik Group). He was
truly his “father’s son” in his dedication to his own vision and his desire to work his vision. He worked
for T-Mobile as a manager and his store was once ranked in the top 10 nationally for sales. He received
offers from across the country from other store units but turned them down. He also worked at Amazon
(Suffolk, VA Distribution Center) where he quickly became a supervisor.
The artistic “bonding” with his sisters would continue with his youngest sister, Kamille, as they
explored new and creative musical ideas at HMG. Richard was fun loving and spread that love of fun and
creativity to his family members, friends and the public at large! He learned that he could quickly and
easily cheer up Bryson, one of his nephews, by using the music of icon Michael Jackson.
Richard made an impact on so many people – youngest to oldest. He will definitely be missed by
those of us who knew and loved him so much. He was truly one of “the best of God’s sons”.
Those who shall cherish his memory and legacy include his parents, Lue and Wanda Ward, Jr.;
siblings – Lue Damian Paige, Jennifer L. Scott (Spencer), Sophia Camille and Kamille Mamie Ward;
nieces- Jonta Butts and Kai Ward; nephews- Oshay Butts, Kaylen, Ammon and Bryson Scott. He was
predeceased by his grandparents -Lue R. and Mamie Ward, Sr., and Otis and Loudesta Paige.
We thank and praise God for his ‘gift’ of Richard to our lives and living.