William Emzy Pickard Sr.

William Emzy Pickard Sr., 98, of Raleigh, NC, died on August 28, 2024, at Transitions Lifecare Raleigh following a brief illness.

A graveside service to honor Bill's life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, September 20th at Bayview Cemetery in Morehead City, NC.

Bill was born on November 22nd, 1925, to the late Richard and Maggie Pickard. While attending Hope Valley School in Durham, Bill was drafted into the US Navy at the age of 18. Serving from 1943 to 1945 his duties included serving on the USS Leland E. Thomas (DE-420), a destroyer escort, through the waters of the Eastern Seaboard and the Pacific. With the role of a Submarine Hunter, his unit escorted convoys across the Atlantic twice. His travels included the Panama Canal, New Guinea, and the South Pacific up until the end of the war. The Navy was always close to his heart--he regularly attended ship reunions across the country and kept close relationships with several of his shipmates.

Bill attended NC State for two years, then completed basic training with the NC Highway Patrol in 1947. He loved attending "The Best of '47" school reunions as well and did so for the rest of his life. His first assignment was in Morehead City, NC. While in Morehead City he met and married the late Mary Etta Hufham in 1950. They had two sons. His career later took him across the state to Siler City, Bryson City, Hendersonville, and finally Raleigh where he retired in 1985 as a Captain.

After Mary Etta's passing in 1986, Bill was blessed with a second love and married Audrey Hudgins Smith in 1988, adding a stepson to the family. Bill enjoyed his retirement and remained active well into his nineties. He never met a stranger and loved spending time with friends at the Rex Wellness Center - especially coffee afterward! He loved his wife, his family, his garden, spending time at the Crystal Coast in the summer, and cheering on NC State's basketball and football teams.

Bill will be remembered as a well-respected individual who lived life with determination and focus. He always maintained an even-keeled demeanor, approaching challenges with a steady calm. Known for his integrity, he touched the lives of many and will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his wife Audrey of 36 years, his sons Bill Pickard Jr. (Robin) of Wilmington NC, Tom Pickard of Greensboro NC, stepson Jeff Smith (Laura) of Raleigh NC, granddaughters Caitlin Pickard of Wilmington NC, Sydney Pickard (Jeff) of Rockville MD, Kylie Smith of Raleigh NC, and great-granddaughter Emzy Rock of Wilmington NC.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sisters Doris Bennett and Yvonne Hewitt.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Transitions Hospice of Raleigh or Westminster Presbyterian Church of Raleigh.

Family and friends are welcome to submit condolences online.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory in Morehead City, NC