NAIFA is sad to learn that NAIFA-NC and NAIFA-Greensboro Past President Ernest “Ernie” Whichard, CLU, ChFC, passed away on April 12 in Marion, NC. 

Before retiring from Whichard Roach & Associates in 2016, Whichard served as President of the North Carolina and Greensboro chapters of NAIFA (then the National Association of Life Underwriters) and as a Board Trustee for NAIFA-National. He also served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Greensboro and the Greensboro Estate Planning Council.

Whichard was an insurance agent and financial consultant for over 40 years and a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). He also served as Board Director for the Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP) and was a charter member of the Association of Health Insurance Advisors (NAHU). In 2008, he received the Richard M. Metcalfe Award with Asset Marketing Systems.

Whichard was an Army officer and received a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. He was beloved by his family, friends, and clients. He loved traveling, reading, and flying airplanes and was a member of First Presbyterian Church and Search Ministries Men’s Bible Study.

Whichard is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jane Reinhardt Whichard; two daughters and their husbands, Michelle and Mike Willoughby and Sandy and Sean Farrow; four grandchildren, Bryant Willoughby, Alex Farrow, Claire Willoughby, and Will Farrow; sister Amanda Hamm and her husband Keith; brothers Jim Whichard, and Harvey Whichard and wife Ann; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at First United Methodist Church in Marion, NC. For more information, visit Westmoreland Funeral Home.