He was born on August 6, 1940 to the late Arthur Cletus Eckard and Edna Lail Eckard in Catawba County.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel Fulbright Eckard; sisters, Irene Clontz, Pauline Triplett, Joanne Killian; brothers, Carl, Ray, Jack and Donald Eckard.
Survivors include his sons, Kevin Eckard of Hickory, Kermit Eckard of Conover; granddaughter Bailey Eckard; grandson, Tyler Eckard; and brother, Harold Eckard.
He will lie-in-state on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. at Hickory Funeral Home. The family will not be present.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 10: 00 a.m. Catawba Memorial Park. Pastor Leonard Bolick will be officiating the service.
Memorials may be made to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.