Richard McCall Foard

March 13, 2026

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.

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Comments

  • Bob Hull

    My Dad and Mr. Foard were lifelong friends and, according to my Dad, there was no finer or more honest person than Richard Foard. My Dad was right about that. I had the privilege of working for Mr. Foard and Foard Construction Company for several summers while in high school…digging ditches, hauling rocks, timber and concrete. He was always patient, soft-spoken, kind and paid very well..$1.65/hour, which was better than market rate at the time…early seventies. I’m sure my Dad and Mr. Foard are walking the green fairways in Heaven right now.
    Condolences to Mrs. Foard,”Dickie” and the entire Foard family. Wonderful folks.

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  • Anne McMackin

    For Richard and Jo Jo II
    There once was a fine man named Foard. Works magic with hammer and board. His skills are so vast. He builds, it will last. He's driven and never gets bored.
    He'll build you a table or chair, A cab'net or bed, all with care. Habitat gets his time, He takes not a dime. His talents, he's willing to share.
    But Richard has had a fond dream To build what's the cream of the cream--A boat it will be To sail on the sea. He'll do it alone, not a team.
    So one day he started his boat. He studied to make sure it'd float. He'd saw and he'd plane. His work, not in vain-- At last, the paint's one final coat.
    So now Jo Jo II's set to sail. We pray for calm seas, ne'er a gale. His dream has come true. He deserves for it to. His success and efforts we hail!

    - September 2005

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  • CAROL DWELLE

    So Sorry for your loss Joan. You and Richard were one of Charlottes most admired couples. Richard was a fine gentleman , i just wish I had met you both years ago because i am sure we would have gotten together often at Ocean Isle Beach and what fun we would have had. We had boats some large some small but I Think John and Richard would have been partners in crime when it came to boating, and what fun we would have had shopping at the Island Breeze, and boating.

    Today i wanted very much to attend Richard’s funeral but i am sick and it is best if i stay away from every one. I so enjoy your company and consider you as one of my dear friends at the Sharon and hope we can both stretch that out for many years to come. You are in my thoughts and prayers, god bless you, Carol Dwelle

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  • The Sharon at South Park

    On behalf of the staff and residents of The Sharon, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and close friends of Mr. Richard Foard. It was truly an honor to care for him, and him and the Foard family will always hold a special spot in our Sharon Family. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. With love, The Sharon at SouthPark.

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  • Carol Fisher

    Jack and I loved the time we spent with Joan and Richard at the Sharon and Carmel Club. I think they are enjoying a round of golf just the other side of the pearly gates . May all the Foards find peace and joy in a life very well lived! Love to all.

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  • John Tate

    The good Lord welcomes home one fine man. Richard Foard exemplified goodness. Always kind. Always compassionate. Always focused on the welfare of others. I loved him, & remain grateful for our paths having crossed.

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  • J Stanley Tucker

    Sincere condolences to Joan and the Foard family. He lived a long life and certainly will be sorely missed by his loving wife,Joan and their family. May he now rest in peace with his Maker. .

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  • Mary Taylor Hundley

    Our condolences to the entire Foard family from the Hundley's of Bentway Drive and Carmel Country Club.

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