Brady Blain Eckard

Brady Eckard passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of October 21, 2016, at Catawba Regional Hospice. The past couple of years saw his health slowly deteriorating, which limited his mobility, and for a man who loved being outside, it was challenging for him to remain indoors with little physical activity. And as with most rough patches in his life he handled them well and remained in good spirits.

His wife of 68 years, Wilma Rink Eckard, predeceased him by almost five years. His late partner, Sudie (Sue) Winebarger predeceased him by two years. He is survived by: three sons, Rodney, Randy and Tony; two daughter-in-laws, Charlotte Eckard and Judy Eckard; four grandchildren, Jeff Eckard, Amanda Eckard, Molly Eckard, Joshua Eckard; two great grandchildren, Vincent Marenco and Maya Eckard.

Brady was a life-long member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, where he served as Scoutmaster, Sunday School Teacher, and a member of the Church Council and Choir. His love of singing, whether in the choir, around the house, or in the car, eventually led him to join the Moonlighters, a barbershop chorus of local acclaim, where he was a lead singer for more than ten years.

Brady worked for Best of Beers for 35 years, as a Route Driver, Supervisor and Draft Beer Specialist. He was a tireless worker and often put in many extra hours helping to resolve unexpected problems and making repairs on equipment. After his retirement from Best of Beers he volunteered to help out with maintenance at Mt. Olive Church and was soon performing the majority of the maintenance and overseeing larger repair jobs. Whether up on tall ladders changing light bulbs or down on his hands and knees scrubbing stains from the floor, he never shied away from whatever needed doing.

Brady served in the U.S. Navy during WW II, stationed aboard the USS Culebra Island, a Luzon Class (ARG-7) engine repair ship, in the Southwest Pacific Theater. He spent two years on Shore Patrol and finished his tour as Storekeeper, Second Class. Brady was active with the USS Culebra Reunion Committee, organizing and attending numerous reunions held around the country. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Hickory.

Brady was a lifelong, avid deer hunter, and most years spent the week of Thanksgiving at Upper Creek Hunt Club, north of Morganton, where he, as well as numerous friends, gathered for their annual hunt. That week was one of the highlights of his year and he continued annually until about five years ago.

Brady loved having his hands in the dirt and most summers found him tending several tomato plants, numerous flower pots, inside and out, and helping his best friend, Newby, with his expansive vegetable garden. He always loved telling, as well as hearing, a good joke, and had a smile that would light up a room. He was quick to offer help to almost anyone who asked, expecting little in return.

A memorial service will be held at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Saturday, November 5, 2:00. The family will receive friends after the burial at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Rd. Newton, NC 28658 or Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2780 N Center St. Hickory, NC 28601.