Community Honors Dr. William ‘Bill’ Pickard at Charles H. Wright Museum Tribute

Photos by Monica Morgan Photography The Charles H. Wright Museum hosted an unforgettable event on Friday evening. Loved ones, acquaintances, and esteemed leaders gathered to honor Dr. William ‘Bill’ Pickard’s extraordinary life and accomplishments before his scheduled Saturday funeral at Hartford Memorial Church. Emotions ran deep as everyone commemorated Dr. Pickard’s significant influence on the community, recognizing his lasting impact and his profound impression on all those he has connected with. Even in the somber moments, the atmosphere was uplifting as warm embraces and lighthearted laughter filled the space. Attendees took turns sharing their most cherished memories of Dr. Pickard, painting a vivid picture of his impact on their lives. Yvonne Price, who is married to Benard Price, a McDonald’s franchise owner, recently set aside some time to contemplate Pickard’s remarkable journey within the franchise. “He (Bill) and my husband worked closely; they came into the business almost at the same time. They were both the first Black franchise owners,” Price said. “They were brand new at this business thing and didn’t know what they were doing, but it really worked,” Price laughed. Dr. Pickard grew up learning the values of hard work and education. In the 1950s, his family...