I met Collier Aycock back in the 60s. He lifeguarded at the pool in Goldsboro, was 2 years older than me. Even back then, he was a big broad bull looked like a god to me. And of course all the girls loved him. That never changed. Over the decades, we lived in a lot of the same cities - Goldsboro, Chapel Hill, Raleigh and Atlanta. Ike dees joined us in Atlanta and we had close to 15 fun years together. The "Three Musketeers".

Collier was the definition of a renaissance man. He was a great athlete in his younger days, an accomplished artist whose works sold at market, and he loved books and music. His interest in reading and his life's experiences developed a sharp mind. It seemed to me that he could talk about most anything with anyone. He could also move easily in any company, high or low. That intellect, square jaw and deep baritone voice naturally drew people to him. If you were with Collier, you met people. And most always had what he liked to call "a big time".

Most of Collier's life was about adventure. Travel excited him. We visited many major cities in the US as well as many places up and down Central America and once to Europe. His favorite trip ever was to Paris/Monte Carlo/Cannes with sister Jan back in the mid 80s. Even in his later years after an array of illnesses slowed him down, he never lost the childlike curiosity that made him such a good travel buddy.

Collier lost an eye during a childhood accident but it didn't slow him from seeing the world clearly. Throughout his life he maintained that down home country wisdom. He had a welcoming inclusive soul that needed people. Slow to judge and quick to forgive. Sounds cliche but it's true. Like all good friends, we had our ups and downs. But whatever happened he was somehow always there - the best of the best friends of my life. And the closest thing to a brother I never had. God I will miss him.

R.I.P. old friend. You left us with many memories. 
Charlie Dudley

I had the great pleasure to know collier during the last few years of his life and we shared many stories of our life experiences. Collier loved a good cup of coffee and we went to Starbucks occasionally to see if we could change the world for the better.  I sure do miss you Collier. 
Ed V

I met Collier at  Capel Hill.  We became fast friends especially because we shared a birthday and had such a great personality!
We stayed in touch after college and visited 
Whenever I  visited my sister in  Wilmington NC. I had moved to New Orleans after college and he came down a couple of times.
I returned to NC after 40 plus years in New Orleans and we visited when possible.
I will miss him…his personality, his kindness and that laugh! He was someone you don’t forget!
Rest in peace
Lisa Tull

OBITUARY

Elton Collier Aycock

October 14, 1951 – February 25, 2024

Cotten Funeral Home

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