On Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at 4:57 p.m., Karl Douglas Whichard, 80, decided it was time to end his “work week.” He passed away peacefully, with his wife of 58 years at his side. After 15 years battling COPD, his body was ready to rest.
Doug was born to David and Priscilla Whichard. He grew up in Roanoke with his five siblings, and met his wife, Darlene, in his senior year of high school. “Nothing would break his stride.” At the age of 23, he was attending Virginia Tech, working a full-time job, and helping to raise two children. He would say: “I crammed four years of college into seven.” He graduated with a BS in Engineering from VT, Class of 1971. Doug was quickly placed on the Corning Glass Works’ manager track and the family relocated to Harrodsburg, Ky. and eventually to Horseheads and Long Island in New York. In 1979, he became plant manager with Flow Labs in Dublin. By 1983, he and Darlene had purchased a farm in Blacksburg, where they have resided for the last 43 years.
Doug was an entrepreneur and financial advisor. He loved helping people with DIY mentality, and worked 12 years at Home Depot until he retired, lovingly renovating the farm’s kitchen in that time. Doug generously gave of himself, volunteering on the finance committee at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and serving with “His Hands Ministry.” He loved catching up on his movie-watching while donating plasma with the Red Cross, and he served with the Census. At age 50, Doug was inspired by his son, Karl, to run marathons. He succeeded in running three before being diagnosed with COPD. He also received his pilot’s license, flew radio control model planes as a hobby, and was active in Toastmasters, where he received a regional award.
Doug was a quiet warrior whose favorite mantra was: “The main thing is not to get excited.” No matter what came his way, he lived by those words.
Special thanks to Dr. Maria Cirino, Pulmonologist, for taking him as her patient. In 2020, Doug was the first recipient of the Zephyr Valve at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Dr. Margo King worked closely with Doug to supplement his care, so that he maintained agency over his own health. With steadfast tenacity, patience, and prayer he enjoyed precious years with his extended loving family and he welcomed his first great grandchild, born on his own 80th birthday, Oct. 16, 2025. His children gathered his family, friends, and coworkers from across the decades to create a video sharing the gentle, deep impact Doug had on each of their lives. Doug and Darlene loved walking the Huckleberry Trail with their beloved beagle, Buddy. Look for our Memorial Bench in Doug’s honor, coming in 2026.
Doug is survived by his wife, Darlene; daughter, Cheryl (Bill) McCarthy; son, Karl Whichard (Michele Chang); grandchildren Caela (Morgan) Edwards, Isabella McCarthy, Daniel (Haley and great grandson, Daniel, Jr.) McCarthy, George Whichard, Samantha Whichard, Gracie (Jase) Lamartiniere and Charlie McCarthy; siblings Louise Whichard (wife of David Whichard); Teddy (Tracy) Whichard; Jonathan (Kristina) Whichard; Michael (Becky) Whichard; brother-and-sisters-in-law: Paul (Debra) Brickhouse and Susan Brickhouse; and many loving nieces and nephews. Doug was preceded in death by his brother David; sister, Barbara and brother-in-law, Oscar Thornsbury.
Doug’s Celebration of Life Mass will be held Feb. 28, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Blacksburg with visitation at 10 a.m., Mass at 11 a.m., and Repast at St. Mary’s to follow. Come with stories to share.
In lieu of flowers, please, consider giving to the COPD Foundation (www.copdfoundation.org). The family in the care of McCoy Funeral Home.
