William Bernard Eckard

William "Bernard" Eckard of Hickory went home to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, March 26, 2016. He passed away at home after a short illness. He was born February 24, 1922 in Alexander County to Edward Bryan and Anne Fox Echerd. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Barnes Eckard; two sons, Steven Vincent Eckard and Dennis Lynn Eckard; two grandsons, Ashley Keith Eckard and GySgt. Christopher W. Eckard; one brother, Edward Echerd; two sisters, Helen "James" Hefner and Arlene "Vernon" Hall and his stepfather, Otis W. Sipe. Loved ones left to cherish his memories include; two sons, Boyce W. Eckard and wife, Barbara, and David B. Eckard and wife, Rhonda all of Bethlehem, two daughters-in-law; Eunice Eckard of Hickory and Sherree Fox of Bethlehem; three granddaughters, Aleshia Eckard of Atlanta, Ga., Emily Eckard of Bethlehem and April Childress of Grace Chapel; three grandsons, Jeffrey Eckard and wife, Jessica of Taylorsville, Jason Eckard and wife, Hanna of Bethlehem, Chad Eckard and wife, Chastity of Bethlehem; ten great-grandchildren, Kaila, Meghan, Carson, Jenna, Adisyn, Trenton, Steven, Avery Eckard, Summer and Dalton Childress; two brothers, Dr. Robert Echerd and wife, Betty of Greensboro, Jim W. "Jimmy" Sipe and wife, Dean of Conover; sister, Lucille Bowman of Hickory and a number of nieces and nephews. He served in the U. S. Army during World War ll. He was stationed in Europe until Germany surrendered, then went to the Pacific and served there until Japan surrendered. He was very proud of his service to the United States.He was a retired Master Auto Mechanic and loved old cars, old trucks, and auto racing. But his first love was his family.Services will be Tuesday, March 29, at 11:00 A. M. at Hickory Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Homer Greene officiating. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with military honors being conducted by American Legion Post 544. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P. O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN. 38101-9908. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 29, from 9:45 – l0:45 A. M. at Hickory Funeral Home. Condolences may be made online at www.hickoryfh.com. Arrangements by Hickory Funeral Home.