William Charles "Bill" Duckhardt

DUCKHARDT, William Charles "Bill," 76, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2008. Born on December 28, 1931, in Short Pump, Virginia, he leaves behind his bride of 53 years, Ray Dian Allen Duckhardt; their daughters, Melonie Wood (Fred) and Wendy Zigler; two granddaughters, Tiffany Lynn Luckey (Matthews) and Kara Zigler; great-grandsons, Chad Daniel, David Patrick and Ryan Christopher Luckey; a sister, Rosemary Whittington (Gil); brother, Donald Duckhardt; sister-in-law, Bobbie Garrett (Buddy); and many extended family and friends. His brother, Richard Duckhardt, and parents, Emil and Rose Duckhardt, predeceased him. Bill graduated from Benedictine High School in Richmond, Va., and was a graduate of Virginia Tech in 1960. He honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He started his career at the USDA for the State of Virginia. He moved onto the Agriculture Division of Mobil Oil and was recruited to run Helena Chemical as the Regional Manager. Bill created many different products that are still being used today in the Agricultural Chemical Industry. He started a separate division in Copper Chemicals for CP Chemical company and wrapped up his career as Vice President of Griffin Corporation. Bill was an active member of the AFIA, NFIA, Cattleman's Club and many other numerous organizations that served the Agricultural Industry. In his spare time, he served as Commodore of the Tampa Bay Yacht Club, Social Chairman Dana Shores Civic Organization and Membership Chairman of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association. He started the Virginia Tech Hokie Bird for Hunger for Metropolitan Ministries that is still ongoing today throughout many universities. He was an active, hands-on father; loving and supportive husband; coach; helper with Girl Scouts and The Tampa Bay Woman's club. A member of Incarnation Catholic Church, he was a man of deep faith, commitment to God, family and country. While we mourn his passing and loss, we honor his legacy, his memory and the life he lived. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to Metropolitan Ministries, 2002 Florida Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33602. A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the Blount and Curry Funeral Home, 6802 Silvermill Drive, Tampa, Florida 33635.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.