Robert Emmett Eckard

Robert Emmett Eckard, 84, of Hickory, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, at his residence.

Born June 11, 1941, in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Emmett Eckard and Katie Eckard. A lifelong resident of Catawba County, Robert designed and built the family home where he spent much of his life.

Robert devoted his entire professional career to Lenoir-Rhyne College (now University), where he served for 40 years as a Spanish professor and Head of the Language Department. During his distinguished tenure, he founded the annual Language Fair, helped establish the International Business Program, and played a pivotal role in developing study abroad opportunities for students. He was instrumental in Habitat for Humanity efforts, leading student mission trips to South America and integrating service learning into international education.

In recognition of his exceptional service and leadership, Robert received the Roediger Distinguished Service Award and the Raymond Morris Bost Distinguished Professor Award. He later served as Dean of Modern Classical Languages until his retirement.

Robert earned his undergraduate degree from Lenoir-Rhyne College, his master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his doctorate from the University of Kentucky. Following his graduation from Lenoir-Rhyne, he joined the Peace Corps and was among the first group trained at UCLA. He then served two years in Ecuador, an experience that shaped his lifelong passion for global education, travel, and cultural understanding.

An avid reader and student of history, Robert had a deep love for learning and exploration. Above all, he loved his family dearly.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, David Eckard and wife Jennifer; his daughter, Laura Eckard; his sisters, Opal Bolick and Trudy Eckard; his sister-in-law, Brenda Eckard; two granddaughters, Olivia Eckard and Becklee Eckard; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, Dwight Eckard, and his brother-in-law, Smitty Bolick.

A memorial service will be 11:00 A.M., Monday, January 19, 2026 at Jenkins Funeral Home and the family will receive friends following the service.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net.

The Eckard family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Newton, NC.

828-464-1555