Christopher Hugh Eckard

Christopher Hugh Eckard, 70, also known as “Chris” and “ Papa Eck”, of Wilkesboro passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC surrounded by his family.

Chris was born March 23, 1952, in Newton/Conover to Hugh Richard and Opal Yancey Eckard. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/Marketing. He was a member of The Appalachian State University-Alumni Council, the Yosef Advisory Board and was a founding member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity at ASU. Chris also proudly served as past President of The Wilkes County Jaycees. He was a retired small business owner for over 20 years of Copy Plus and later worked at NC Works. 

Chris was a friend to all who knew him. His quiet, unassuming demeanor would come to life at an App State football game, in the presence of his beloved friends and fraternity brothers, and often on the golf course. But he was always the happiest in the presence of his family, particularly his little shadow, Sam and his sweet princess, Elle. He was a loving son, a loyal brother, a devoted husband to Denise for 46 years, and a doting father to Whitney and Brooke. His girls were the "apple of his eye", and nothing made him prouder than when they both chose to follow in his footsteps and attend ASU.  A fall Saturday afternoon in Boone, NC was never complete without Chris and his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Opal Eckard.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Denise Campbell Eckard of the home; two daughters, Whitney Eckard Blalock and boyfriend Robert Kerns of Holly Springs and Brooke Demoret and husband Michael of Wake Forest; two grandchildren, Samuel Christopher Demoret and Elle Foster Demoret; sister, Elaine Hall and husband Gordan of Conover and brother, Bruce Eckard of Conover; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kay Brittain and Dennis Campbell. In addition, he leaves many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, September 18, 2022, at The First United Methodist Church in North Wilkesboro with Rev. Gary Camp officiating.  A Celebration of Life will be held after the service at Oakwood’s Country Club.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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