William Lawson “Bill” Lockard, 79, of Canton died June 8, 2020, at his home.William Lawson “Bill” Lockard, 79, of Canton died June 8, 2020, at his home.
He was born Oct. 20, 1940, in Beardstown, a son of Lawson W. Lockard and Neva Snedeker Lockard. He married Harriett Brillhart on Feb. 23, 1963, in Astoria. She survives.
Also surviving are four children, Tammy Lowdon of Vacaville, Calif., Timothy (and Jennie) Lockard of Lincoln and Tessa (and Dan) Freeman and Teresa (and Dan) Sprecher, both of Canton; one sister, Linda Leib of Astoria; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one-half brother, Donald Ring.
He was raised in Astoria and graduated from Astoria High School in 1958. He then attended MacMurray College and Bradley University. He worked for his father at Lock’s Motor Sales, Lock’s Auto Company and Lock’s Lincoln Mercury. He became the Ford dealer in 1970 as the name was changed to Lock’s Inc. He later sold this business to a friend, Guy Coleman in 1995 and later it was sold to another friend, John Davis. Bill worked for both of these dealers until 2019 when he had to quit on account of his health.
He was active in civic affairs being co-chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, co-president of the Friendship Festival Board and vice-president of Canton’s Sesquicentennial in 1975. He also served on Ford’s Dealers Advertising Board and The Canton State Bank’s Board of Directors from 1975-95.
When he came to Christ, he desired to be active in church leadership. He became chairman of finance committee, chairman of the Deacons and moderator of First Baptist Church in Canton. Moving to Evangelical Free Church of Canton, he served on the finance board, chairman of the Christian Ed. Board, and served as an Elder.
A private graveside service will be held at White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton. A Memorial Service will be held at Evangelical Free Church at a later date. Cremation rites will be accorded with Sedgwick Funeral Homes and Crematory in Canton.
Memorials may be made to Evangelical Free Church in Canton.
Condolences may be sent to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus