Founding NCCF Board Member Billy Woodard dies

The board and staff of the North Carolina Community Foundation were saddened to learn of the death of Mr. Billy T. Woodard, who passed away Nov. 7 at the age of 85. He was instrumental in the launch and long-term success of NCCF and had served as chairman of the Fidelity Bank before his retirement in 2013.

Mr. Woodard was elected to the statewide board in 1993 and served as secretary for more than 15 years. He was instrumental in the establishment of several NCCF affiliates, including those in Granville, Harnett, Hoke, Montgomery and Moore counties. In 2009, he was presented the Lewis R. Holding Philanthropic Leadership Award, the highest honor bestowed by NCCF. In presenting the award, (then) NCCF Board Chair James W. Narron said, “Billy has tirelessly raised funds for our operating endowment through his own contributions as well as his dedication and willingness to approach others.”

Mr. Woodard was elected Director Emeritus by NCCF in 2015, when he retired from board service.

Mr. Woodard was the subject of a feature story and short video produced during NCCF’s 25th anniversary year in 2011. The article and video can be found here.

Details of his Nov. 12 funeral services and obituary can be found here. The family asks for memorials in lieu of flowers to several entities dear to Mr. Woodard’s heart, including one of the NCCF affiliates he founded and helped to grew, the Montgomery County Fund.