John Suther “Jack” Whichard

Published 11:33 am Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Greenville —  John Suther “Jack” Whichard, 96, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 16, 2025.  He was born to the late David Julian Whichard and Virginia Suther Whichard on October 30, 1928.  He graduated from Greenville High School and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill.  While in Chapel Hill, Jack was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, and a diver on the Swim Team. Following his graduation, he joined the US Army where he served in the Signal Corps, rising the rank of First Lieutenant. He went on to join The Daily Reflector where he served as vice president and co-publisher until his retirement. During his tenure the newspaper holdings grew to include numerous non-daily newspapers in the region.

Jack developed a deep love for Bath and the surrounding community.  He enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, spending time outdoors, and attending Pirates football games.  He was an avid golfer and golfed well into his 90’s.  Most importantly he adored his family and his six grandchildren.  He, along with his late wife, Jane, were devoted members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Bath. He was a 75-year member of Greenville Host Lions Club and served as president and zone chair during his tenure. Jack was a lifetime member and generously supported Ducks Unlimited and their waterfowl conservation efforts.

Jack was engaged in his community, where he served on many boards including; The ECU Foundation, Pitt Memorial Hospital Foundation, Greenville Redevelopment Commission, Historic Bath Commission, and UNC Journalism Foundation.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Jane Woodard Whichard; daughter, Elizabeth Young Whichard; and brother, David Jordan Whichard, II.

He is survived by his son, John Anderson Whichard and wife, Lillian; daughter, Sally Whichard Averette; and six beloved grandchildren, Baird Whichard, Madison Averette, Ainsley Whichard, Annabelle Averette, Austin Whichard, and Sawyer Averette.

Other survivors include nephew and nieces D. Jordan Whichard, III, Kathryn Whichard Poston, and Virginia Whichard Caudill. Along with long time friend and caregiver Latasha Brown.

The family will receive friends and relatives at Wilkerson Funeral Home Thursday from 6 to 8 PM.  A service in celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and in thanksgiving for his life will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 11 AM on Friday.  A reception will follow in the parish hall.  Following the reception, interment will be held at Pinewood Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Thomas Episcopal Endowment Fund Trust, 101 Craven Street, Bath, NC 27808 or to the Greenville Host Lions Club.

Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com.