Phillip G. Lockard

Phillip Garland Lockard, 92, passed away Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Benton House of Aiken.  He born to the late Franklin Anschultz and Jeanette Juanita Gilbreath Lockard, on June 11, 1931 in Newport, AR. He had one older sister, Elizabeth Jane Lockard Coltharp Heard who preceded him in death. He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Emily Williams Lockard, and loving father to sons: Byron Wesley Lockard (Wendy) of Davie, FL, Christopher Wayne Lockard (Wendy) of Alexandria, VA, and daughter Lynda Jeanette Lockard of Blair, SC.; five granddaughters: April Stillwell (John), Krystal Lockard, Reaven Gould Campbell, Jena and Casey Lockard; four great grandsons: Jacob and Jack Stillwell, Jayden and Caleb Campbell all of VA.; two nephews: Chester A. Heard of Fernandina Beach, FL and Dr. George J. Heard, Jr. (Margaret) of Clinton, MS; four great nieces; four great nephews and several great, great nieces and nephews.

Mr. Lockard is a 1949 graduate of Newport High School in Newport, AR, a 1962 graduate of Arkansas College (now Lyon College) in Batesville, AR and he graduated from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA where he received his Masters of Christian Education degree in 1966.

On April 23, 1964 he married Emily Allene Williams of Texarkana, TX whom he met while serving as an Associate of Christian Education for the Bowie County Larger Parish, Texarkana TX from 1961-1963.

He was a past member of the Lions Club and the Young Business Men’s Club, and Co-Chairman of the campaign for Membership and Funds for the National Campaign for the American Red Cross in Newport, Arkansas. At the age of 21 he served as a Deacon in his home church of Newport, AR . Mr. Lockard was listed in the 1967 edition of Outstanding Young Men of America and the 1976-77 edition of the Bicentennial Edition of Who’s Who in Religion.

In 1968 Mr. Lockard was Certified as a Director of Christian Education. He served the Presbyterian Church USA for thirty years as a Director of Christian Education in various churches throughout the southeast before his retirement in 1995. He has served on numerous Presbytery and Synod committees throughout his ministry including: Treasurer of the Association of Christian Educators and Chairman of the Mississippi Association of Christian Educators. In 1974 he served as Chairman of the Materials Resource Committee for the National Capitol Union Presbytery in the Washington, DC area.

In 1983, he moved to Aiken, SC with his wife and daughter. He was installed as Director of Christian Education for the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Lockard also served on various committees of Trinity Presbytery while Christian Educator of Aiken’s First Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Lockard moved to Pinehurst, NC in 1990 where he served as a DCE for the Community Presbyterian Church until he retired in 1995 after 30 years as a Certified Director of Christian Education. After moving back to Aiken in 1995, Mr. Lockard held the position as the first Activities Coordinator of Summit Place (now Silver Bluff Grove) Assisted Living Center. Later that year he took the position as Church Administrator of Millbrook Baptist Church where he served for five years. In 1995 he and his family became members of South Aiken Presbyterian Church were he served his first term as an Elder and served on various committees. He has served his community in various volunteer positions including: a founding member of the Aiken County Habitat for Humanity Board, and later President; a member of the Mental Health Association of Aiken County; a founding member and the first Treasurer of the Aiken Chapter of Mended Hearts, Inc. and later MH President for two years and Chairman of their annual golf tournament for 4 years; a member of the ACTS Board of Directors as well as a volunteer and also delivered for Meals on Wheels. In 2005 he and his wife were instrumental in organizing the Greater Aiken Estates Neighborhood Association and Mr. Lockard served for four years as it’s President.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to South Aiken Presbyterian Church, 1711 Whiskey Rd., Aiken, SC 29803.

A service of Witness to the Resurrection and a Celebration of his life will be held Monday afternoon, December 18^th at 2 o’clock at South Aiken Presbyterian Church, followed by visitation in their Family Life Center. The time and date of the grave side service, to be determined, will be held at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Newport, AR with the current pastor of the Newport First Presbyterian Church presiding.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC