Edward Elmore "Eddie" Ard

Edward Elmore ‘Eddie” Ard, 63, of Clayton passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at his home. Eddie was born in Lenoir County on January 10,1963 to the late Rev. A. Kemery and Betty Jean Watson Ard. A 1981 graduate of Clayton High School, Eddie worked as a field engineer for Kodak and also with Lowes Home Improvement before his retirement.

Eddie was a devoted family man, proud of where he came from and always ready with a story. He told them well and often, to anyone who would listen—and more than a few people happily listened for hours. He may have preferred home, but if you needed him, he showed up.

Those who knew him remember a sharp, witty mind, a kind streak, and a lasting love of music and movies. He also never met a meal he wouldn’t accept. Call him when supper was on the stove and he was usually the first one through the door.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his wife, Rene Ard.

He is survived by his brothers, Andrew Kemery “Kem” Ard, Jr. and his wife, Ellen, and Cecil Gregory Ard; his nieces, Merissa Ard-Crowley and Megan Ard; his nephews, Johnathan Ard and Colin Ard and his wife, Charlotte Ard; his great-nieces, Nicole Crowley and Elaina Ard; his great-nephews, Lucas Ard and Weston Crowley; and numerous cousins.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 6:00 until 8:00pm at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 10:30am in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home with his lifelong friend, Rev. Roger Hill, who is officiating. The committal service will follow the services at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Clayton. While flowers are accepted, memorial contributions in Eddie’s name may also be made to a charity of one’s choice.