December 11, 2023, 84, Goldsboro —

Lt. Col. Willis Kenneth “Ken” Whichard, Jr., U.S.A.F., Retired passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023.

A graduate of North Carolina State University, Ken earned his Bachelor of Science in nuclear engineering and later earned his Master’s Degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri.

Proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force for 21 years, Ken was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Following his service to our country, he continued into his second career. Serving as the Director of the Information Systems Department at Wayne Community College. Later, he served as the Assistant Director of Customer Support with the North Carolina Community Colleges System Office in Raleigh.

Ken was Past Master and Past Secretary of Wayne Masonic Lodge #112 A.F. & A.M. He was also a member of Goldsboro York Bodies and Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of North Carolina. Ken was a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Raleigh, and the Orient of North Carolina as a 33-degree member. Additionally, he was a member of numerous other masonic organizations, both nationally and in North Carolina.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by Masonic Rites in our chapel. Interment with full military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Ken is survived by his wife, Elizabeth T. Whichard; daughter, Susan W. Ferguson, and husband Scott; son, Mark Kenneth Whichard; grandsons, Brandon J. Whichard, Collin M. Cornelius, and Luke Kenneth Whichard; honorary grandson, Donald Wallace; and niece, Dr. Jean Whichard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in memory of Ken to the charity of one’s choice or to

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.