In Memoriam: The Honorable Willis Padgett Whichard

May 24, 1940 – November 18, 2025

The Museum of Durham History is deeply saddened by the passing of The Honorable Willis P. “Bill” Whichard, a steadfast supporter and friend whose commitment to Durham’s story spanned decades. Judge Whichard believed in the importance of preserving our community’s history, and his enthusiasm for the Museum dates back to our earliest conversations about creating a dedicated home for Durham’s past. His support continued unwaveringly after our building opened in 2013, and we are profoundly grateful for his long partnership.

Born in Durham, Judge Whichard’s distinguished career in public service made him a natural choice when volunteers selected the 150 Faces of Durham for the City’s sesquicentennial in 2019. His banner proudly noted his unique place in North Carolina history as the only person up to that time to serve in both the state House of Representatives (1970–1974) and Senate (1974–1980), as well as the state Court of Appeals before becoming a justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court in 1986. His contributions helped shape both Durham and the state he served with integrity.

Judge Whichard was particularly proud of his work on the 19^th amendment, which is cited in our 2020 online exhibit, Votes of Suffrage: 100 Years of Women in Durham Politics. In 1971, at age 30 and in his first term in the state House, Judge Whichard learned North Carolina had never ratified the 19th Amendment. He introduced a bill to ceremonially ratify it—50 years after its adoption into the U.S. Constitution.

He also shared a more personal side of his story through our My Durham Beginnings project, a companion to the Museum’s Durham Beginnings exhibit.

Reflecting on his family’s early days in the city, he wrote:
“My parents were teachers. They came to Durham in the mid-1930’s. At the time, Durham had the second largest teacher supplement in the state. In those Depression days, even a few extra dollars meant a lot.”
His words offered a glimpse into the humble roots that helped shape his lifelong dedication to public good.

We were honored to welcome Judge Whichard to the Museum as recently as October 2024 for the opening of 100 Years of Duke: Names to Remember, before his health began to decline. Beyond his involvement with the Museum, he was a devoted supporter of the Durham County Library and the Library Foundation, as well as an active member of Durham Rotary—further evidence of his deep investment in service and community life.

The family plans to hold a public memorial service after the first of the year. As we reflect on Judge Whichard’s extraordinary legacy, we extend our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him.

We will miss him.