Dr. Ira Edward Aaron

A native of Jenkins County, Dr. Aaron was a son of the late T.W. and Sallie Lane Aaron. In addition to his parents, Dr. Aaron was preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers.

He was stationed in Alaska during World War II serving as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. Remembering a giant in a few words or even a few pages is a daunting task. Dr. Ira Aaron was not a huge man in physical stature, but he was a giant to his students, to his colleagues, to his loving family and friends. He was an exceptional, award-winning public school teacher and administrator. He brought those same leadership qualities to University of Georgia classrooms and administrative positions. As the elected president, he led the International Reading Association and that organization's Hall of Fame. He won awards from countless groups whether local or international professional associations.

It is difficult to summarize his contributions because he served so many roles and led so many groups. He was an author of teaching materials used by students and teachers throughout the world. He was a teacher who changed the teaching of reading in Georgia and beyond. He was a productive scholar and teacher, a compassionate mentor, a loyal friend, a generous donor to innumerable causes, a loving and generous uncle, a change agent for education, a good and gentle man. He garnered many friends over his more than nine decades and he leaves the best of memories for those who were fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by a host of nieces and nephews, including a special great-niece, Julie Covington Osborne (Brian); great-great nephews, Aaron Paul (Emily) and Connor Paul; a special great-great nephew, Todd Cowart (Dana) and their children, Copeland, Maggie and Cash.

He was everybody’s “Uncle Ed.”

The family will receive friends Sunday, October 2 from 4-6 p.m. at Bernstein Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held Monday, October 3 at 11 a.m. at Elam Baptist Church Cemetery in Millen, GA.

Flowers are optional or donations may be made to the Ira Aaron Award for Teaching Excellence and Collegiality (https://gail.uga.edu/giving/coe/ira-e-aaron-award-for-teaching-excellence-and-collegiality-endowment) or the Ira Aaron International Study Scholarship (https://gail.uga.edu/giving/coe/ira-e-aaron-international-study-scholarship-endowment).

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.