Capt. John Merritt Pickard, USAF (Ret.), 69, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away Saturday, September 10, 2016.
John was born September 19, 1946 in Marietta, Georgia, son of the late Col.Walter Pickard and the late Frances Howze Pickard. John had an adventurous life including many experiences overseas; climbing the pyramids in Cairo, touring old tombs in Jerusalem, skiing in the Alps, and more. He and his sister, Martha, spent much of their childhood living abroad. After college, John went on to join the Air Force, earning his wings in 1971. He then had a long and satisfying career working as a commercial pilot. After retiring, John settled in the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina.
He is survived by two daughters, Laura Ann Pickard of Washington, D.C., Amy Elizabeth Pickard of Charlotte, NC; his son, Matthew Merritt Pickard and his wife Sarah of Charleston, SC; and his sister, Martha P. Zink and her husband Rip of Baltimore, MD.
His family will hold a private memorial service and interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Downtown Chapel.
Memorials may be made to Independent Grounds Coffee House at www.independentgrounds.org.