Richard Foard Obituary

Richard McCall Foard

January 5, 1927 - March 13, 2026

Charlotte, North Carolina - On March 13, 2026, Richard McCall Foard, 99, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife, Joan, and his family. He "fought the good fight…finished the course…kept the faith."

Richard was born in Charlotte, NC, on January 5, 1927, to Mary Belle and Ernest Foard. He was a fifth-generation direct descendant of John Foard, signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.

He attended Central High School but left to join the Navy to support the war effort. He returned to Central to become a star in both football and track. He played in the NC/SC high school Shrine Bowl game, scoring a touchdown, one of many in his career. He also ran on the NC state high school championship track team. After high school, he attended UNC-Chapel Hill and Clemson University.

The first time he saw Joan Shuler, he told his buddy, "I'm going to marry that girl; she is the prettiest girl I have ever seen." They were married and just recently celebrated 75 years of marriage.

Along with his peers, Richard was a member of the "greatest generation".

He served as a Boy Scout leader, Little League baseball coach, Pop Warner football coach, church league basketball coach, and board member. He was a house leader at Habitat for Humanity, a board member of Rebound and the Salvation Army Boys' and Girls' Club, and a member of the Optimist Club. As a native Charlottean, he believed in working to support the community he lived in and doing all he could to make it a better place.

Love of God was evident in Richard's concern for others, devotion to his family, and active involvement in his church, Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian, where he was an active member since 1954. He served as both deacon and Elder Emeritus for many years. He led a devotional before each Christmas family gathering, a practice that the family continues to this day. Ensuring that he shared his love of God with everyone was important to Richard.

Richard was a third-generation building contractor leading Foard Construction Company for over thirty years. Many of the buildings and houses he built are landmarks of the community to this day.

Not only did Richard have time to raise a family, to work and serve his church and community, but he also loved to play golf. He was a member of several golf groups at Carmel Country Club. He joined Carmel in 1963 and made many lifelong friends there.

Richard loved Ocean Isle Beach, where he built two houses and enjoyed time with family and friends relaxing on the beach, golfing, and fishing. In his house on Bentway Drive in Charlotte, he even built a boat, "The Jojo", to take to the beach for all to enjoy.

Not only did he build a boat, but he also built some incredibly beautiful furniture and toys. His talents were amazing. One of the grandchildren once said, "Why do you need a toy store when you have Papa!!" He could build just about anything.

It is impossible to sum up a person in a few paragraphs. Richard's life was active serving God, his community, and his beloved family. He was an exemplary gentleman, known for his caring manner and style. He embraced life with enthusiasm, grace, and a thoughtful manner. The Lord could truly say to him, "Well done thy good and faithful servant."

In addition to his wife Joan, Richard is survived by his children Richard McCall Foard Jr. (Cheryl), Gary Franklin Foard (Jane), Catherine Foard Sherard (John), and Linda Foard Roberts (George); ten grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mary Belle and Ernest Foard; his siblings, Clifford Foard, Martha Anne Foard Darsey, and Kenneth Baxter Foard; and a son-in-law, William H. Lavery.

The family invites all who knew and loved Richard to a Celebration of Life to honor Richard at Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church on March 24, 2026, at 2:00. A reception for friends will follow. The family will hold a private service at the columbarium prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church or Habitat for Humanity.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.