Dr. David Armistead Lockhart

Dr. David
Armistead Lockhart
CONCORD -- Dr. Lockhart, 87, retired pediatrician, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away Monday, October 26, 2009. In his 40 years of practice, David cared for multiple generations of families, always maintaining a strong moral code for giving back to the community that made his practice possible, providing a wealth of blessings for both he and his family. His sense of obligation led to years of volunteer initiatives and contributions of his services as a physician, and did not end with his retirement.
The health and well being of all children were always foremost in his mind. He helped establish the Children's Advocacy Center at NorthEast Medical Center, a center for diagnosis and treatment of child physical and sexual abuse cases, the Cabarrus Community Child Protection Team and Child Fatality Task Force, the Logan Community Resource Center. Dr. Lockhart served as volunteer pediatrician at Stonewall Jackson Training School, board member for the Cabarrus Partnership for Children serving preschoolers' needs, and was Medical Director for the Cabarrus Health Alliance.
He served as Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics and Chief of Staff for Cabarrus Memorial Hospital, member of the School board, Board of Health, and Board of Education. Upon retirement, David turned his energy and attention fully toward volunteer work, continuing his deep concern for the plight of children and families who are uninsured by founding the Community Free Clinic with his lifelong friend, Dr. George W. Liles.
His years of service have been acknowledged through numerous recognitions including: The 2006 NC Child Health Recognition Lifetime Achievement Award, Distinguished Rotarian, 9 Who Care Award, Lions Club Layperson of the Year, and Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.
Born October 3rd, 1922 in Fort Smith, AR, son of an Episcopal minister, David chose medicine over the ministry after a tour of duty as a naval officer during WWII. His ties to the church and his faith would remain strong, guiding him through his career and family life. He graduated from the University of the South, Sewanee, TN in 1943, followed by active duty with the US Navy in WWII serving in the Pacific. Upon discharge, he attended Duke University School of Medicine, where he met his future wife Betty Sue Hutchins. There would begin a lifetime of joy, a family of 5, and a career that would be embedded in the community of Concord, NC.
David rounded his life experiences with his passions in art, model ship building, sailing, golf, and time with his family. He was an accomplished artist, member of the Art Guild, and donated many or his pieces to local charities for fundraising benefit auctions.
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and former patients. David was preceded in death by his daughter Susan, and is survived by his wife Betty Sue of 59 years; and his children, son David Lockhart, daughter Becky McCall, daughter Jenny Ritchie, and son Malcolm Lockhart; and respective spouses Vicki Lockhart, James McCall, Doug Ritchie, and Ann Lockhart. Grandchildren are Jordan and David Lockhart, Matthew, Alex, and David McCall, Lee and Ellis Ritchie, Neal, Paul, and Claire Lockhart.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 29 at 2 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 525 Lake Concord Road N.E., Concord, NC with Reverend Fred Hoffman and Reverend Roger Butler officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Community Free Clinic, 528 Lake Concord Road N.E., Concord NC 28025; Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis NC 28081; CMC NorthEast Foundation, 920 Church Street North, Concord, NC 28025 or All Saints Episcopal Church, 525 Lake Concord Road N.E., Concord NC 20825.
Condolences may be left at www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com.