He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. He enjoyed cars and playing golf.
John is survived by his wife, Reba Aylward; two sons, Jason Aylward of Chapel Hill and Casey Aylward of New Bern; two step-sons, Kevin Branning of St. Petersburg, FL and Brett Branning of Tampa, FL.
A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at Cotten Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834.
Online condolences may be made to the Aylward family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.
