John Ekard

Hudson – Mr. John Ekard (J.D.), age 75, passed away on August 5, 2020 at Caldwell Hospice. John was born August 15, 1944 in Caldwell County to the late John Floyd Ekard and Sadie Austin Ekard. John was a devoted member of Refuge Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon Campbell and sister, Martha Ekard Greene. John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pearl (Cricket) Ekard, a son, David Ekard and wife, Crystal; five grandchildren, Leah Ekard and fiancee, Weston Ferguson; Lucas Ekard, Ben Campbell, Kaylee Austin and husband, Justin and Megan Campbell; great-grandson, Brayden Austin and great-granddaughter on the way, Paislee Austin; son-in-law, Jeff Campbell; brothers, Tommy Ekard and wife, Brenda; Roger Ekard and wife, Vivian; Boyd Ekard and wife, Debbie; Alvin Ekard and wife, Lea; sisters, Julia Kay Smith and Reba Coffing and husband, Carl; and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of John’s life will be held at Refuge Missionary Baptist Church onFriday, August 7, 2020 at 3:00 PM with Pastor Darren Peterson and Pastor Steve Coonse officiating.Interment will immediately follow the service at Sunrise Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ben Campbell, Lucas Ekard, Justin Austin, Jeff Campbell, Tommy Gragg, Matthew Coffing and Weston Ferguson. Memorials may be sent to Caldwell Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC28645.