In memoriam: Earl Aycock, entertainer, musician
By Staff
Oct. 21, 2001
Thousands of people all over the country remember his voice, a gift seemingly sent from God to entertain on radio, stage and television through music and comedy. He was a very good singer and guitar player, this man who hailed from humble beginnings in rural Scott County.
Earl Aycock Sr., who died Thursday, Oct. 18, 2001, at the age of 70, was one of those rare human beings we watched and listened to because his talents were so attractive, so natural. Always ready with a quick smile, sparkling eyes, a firm handshake and witty words, he literally never met a stranger.
On the professional side, he may have made his main living in the insurance business, but his passion was entertaining. He recognized the value of radio when it was still a fairly new medium and was performing with local bands as early as 1946. Later, as longtime friend Carl Fitzgerald remembered, he progressed to the Nashville scene with country and gospel singer Martha Carson's group. He recorded with George McCormack on Mercury Records.
Closer to home, he co-hosted with his daughter, Fran a local Sunday morning television show, "Share the Joy," on WTOK-TV. Fran continues to cohost the TV show, and a "Share the Joy" radio program on Y-95 FM.
On the personal side, he married Mary Elizabeth Stewart on Dec. 30, 1951. They shared the joy of working together, raising a family and building a life.
Many people talk about living with a positive attitude but Earl Aycock took that concept an extra mile. Not many of us will ever know what it's like to live through five heart attacks, a brain stem stroke, prostate cancer, open-heart surgery and two near-fatal car wrecks. He did, and while he must at times have been in excruciating pain, he carried on, sharing, caring and giving someone who crossed his path a friendly smile and supportive words to brighten their day.
Perhaps more than anything else, Earl Aycock Sr. should be remembered as a God-fearing man who worked his way through a string of adversities that would have broken a lesser person. He leaves an indelible mark on his community. While he is gone, his life serves as a lesson that hope and love, those most human of human emotions, live on.
