Joseph Oliver Pickard

Joseph Oliver Pickard of Charlotte, NC, after a sudden stroke, passed peacefully at age 92 in the presence of his children Tuesday evening, August 4, 2015, at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC. Mr. Pickard was born in Randleman, NC, on April 7, 1923, lived through the Great Depression, graduated from Randleman High School in 1940, where he lettered in four varsity sports. He attended the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill where he lettered in football his freshman year. He entered and served in the U.S. Army Artillery Corps with the 5th Army during World War II in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. After returning from Europe, he resumed his studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, and in 1948 graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Commerce. He started his career in Sales with 11 years at National Cash Register. He worked for the Reynolds & Reynolds Company as a Salesman and as a Regional Sales Manager in Greensboro, NC. He earned 29 consecutive 300 Club awards for exceeding his sales quota, and was awarded the prestigious R.H Grant Award for Sales Excellence in 1978. He was an active member of many Methodist and Presbyterian congregations, serving as an Elder at Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, NC. He was an active, competitive and social person who enjoyed golf, tennis and presiding over "Breakfast Club." He is survived by his sister Nancy P. Clayton of DeLand, FL; by his children: Joseph O. Pickard Jr and his wife Nancy H. Pickard of Seminole, FL, Rachel Pickard and her husband Lewis G. Tager of Gastonia, NC, and James H. Pickard of Charlotte, NC; by his grandchildren: James H. Pickard, of Charlotte, NC; Luke H. Pickard of Charlotte, NC, Rebecca P. Grossman and her husband Ted B. Grossman of St. Petersburg, FL, and Rachel C. Pickard of Seminole, FL; and by his great-granddaughter, Lily H. Grossman of St. Petersburg, FL. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Harriet Hemphill Pickard, originally of Chester, SC, whom he wed in October, 1948. A Visitation will be held at McEwen Funeral Home (Pineville Chapel) at 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC, on Friday, August 14, 2015, from 6 pm until 8 pm. A graveside service will be held at the cemetery at St. Paul's Church on High Point Street in Randleman, NC, on Saturday, August 15, 2015, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the St. Paul's Church Cemetery Fund c/o Stephen H. Robbins, 2257 Lake Lucas Rd, Sophia, NC 27350.