Willard Mceachern

Willard Wheeler McEachern Sr., 79, died on Friday, Feb. 13, 2009. Mr. McEachern was born on April 7, 1929, in Birmingham, Ala. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louisa Wheeler McEachern and Lloyd Franklin McEachern Sr., and his brother Lloyd Franklin McEachern Jr. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Doris Bracken McEachern, sister-in-law Margy Bracken Costner of Rockhill, S.C., son Willard McEachern Jr. (Patricia) of Macon, Ga., and daughters Elaine McEachern of Atlanta, Ga. and Louisa Camp (Richard) of Jacksonville, Fla. Also he is survived by his three grandchildren, Everett Camp (Gretchen), Laine Camp and Wesley Camp.

A resident of Macon since 1931, Mr. McEachern graduated from Joseph Clisby School and Lanier High School. He earned a B.A. degree in business from the University of Georgia, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Also, he served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was president and owner of Bibb Supply Company. He served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA and was a member of the Kiwanis Club and of Christ Episcopal Church, where he served on the vestry.

Besides fishing and gardening, Mr. McEachern enjoyed running and participated in several Labor Day Road Races in Macon. In addition to being a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, he also was a role model to many. All agree with the words of his nephew Wesley Bracken, "He was my role model for what a father should be. He showed me that a man can be kind and loving. I've always loved him."

The family will greet friends at Hart's at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, on Monday from 5:00-6:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery Main Gate at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17. The service will be conducted by The Rev. Harriette Simmons. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Camp, Everett Camp, Wesley Camp, Lovick Culverhouse, Wesley Bracken, Leslie Smith and Wheeler Smith.

Donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 582 Walnut Street, Macon, Ga. 31201 or to United Hospice, 2484 Ingleside Ave. Bldg. B, Macon, Ga. 31204.

Register online at www.hartsmort.com.

Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of the arrangements and can be reached by calling (478) 746-4322. Click here to view hi-res photos of floral tributes.