1997 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE | CHARLES AKARD
Milligan College's Athletics Hall of Fame has elected to add Charles Akard to its prestigious list for his outstanding ability in Milligan sports and committed integrity in Christian faith.
Charles Akard, or "Bud-Bud" as he was affectionately called by his classmates, attended Milligan from 1939 to 1942. He was voted "Most Versatile Boy" in his graduating class. Not only did he participate in basketball, baseball and football, but he served as editor-in-chief of the "Stampede," Milligan's student newspaper, vice president of his senior class, and was named to "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities" in 1942.
Above all, however, Akard was known for his amazing basketball skill as guard for the Buffaloes. Coach C. M. "Doc" Eyler built his team around the versatile ability of Akard, his team captain, who displayed quickness and aggressive skill on the court. The Buffs finished second in the conference Akard's junior year. The combination of Coach Eyler's strong leadership and Akard's competent playing made Milligan's basketball program a flourishing success.
Akard's athletic prowess did not end with a basketball. In 1942, the legendary Coach Steve Lacy took note of Akard's speed and agility and made him guard on Milligan's football team. That same year, the Buffaloes won the Smokey Mountain Championship with an unbeaten and untied season.
After graduation from Milligan, Akard enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and was commissioned a second lieutenant. He served as a flying officer throughout World War II. After the war, he returned to his alma mater to teach chemistry. In 1951, Akard again served his country in the Korean conflict. He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a lieutenant colonel in 1974.
Akard continues to be involved in Christian service. He currently serves on the board of the Wheeler Methodist Church in Blountville, where he also teaches Sunday School. He also served on the fundraising committee for the Glen Williams campus dorm and president and board member of the Holston Ruritan Club. Akard was also the first chairman of the Bristol Area Alumni Chapter of Milligan College.
Akard and his wife, Sally, both Milligan alumni, live on a farm in Blountville, Tennessee, where they enjoy raising and selling Arabian horses, church and community work, traveling, and attending Milligan functions.