Emory George Daniel Aycock was born in Athens, Georgia on March, 23 1943. Emory GD Aycock, affectionately known as Dan, died at the age of 80 on July 12, 2023 in Galax, Virginia. He was the son of Emory Leslie Aycock (1902-1980) & Hallie Amelia Mitchell Aycock (1913-2015). Dan spent his formative years in Jacksonville, Florida, with his older half-sister, Hilda Duncan Broward (1933-2018), and his younger brother, David Frederick Aycock, born in 1945.

His father was a Merchant Marine, had a captain's license, and was a 1st Mate.  He would be gone for as much as a year at a time while his mother cared for them.  Dan attended Jacksonville University from September 1961 to April 1965 earning a BA in English and Psychology.  After graduation he joined VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), where he met his beloved wife, Barbara Gardner Aycock, predeceasing him in 2011.  During his time with VISTA he received training in community organization and applied his skills in Chicago and Trenton, NJ. Dan and Barbara wed on February 14, 1966, in Trenton.

Dan worked at Mercer Co. Welfare Board from June 1966 to May 1967 where he established a welfare rights organization and a Union of staff workers.  Dan's career roles included directing a multi-service agency providing cultural programs and psychosocial programs such as one for run away teenagers.  He also worked with The Field Service Division Department of Mental Health & Retardation before attending graduate school at Rutgers University where he earned his MSW.   He transferred to a facility in Princeton, NJ, which treated delinquent boys.  Dan and Barbara moved to West Haven, Connecticut in 1972, when they welcomed their eldest daughter, Kathryn Gardner Aycock Ralston into the world.   In 1976 he found employment with Mount Rogers Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services as a Clinic Director serving The City of Galax and the counties of Grayson and Carroll.  In 1980, he established a private practice, and in the same year, his youngest daughter, Amelia Leslie Aycock Sutton, was born.

Dan was a beloved community member who touched the lives of many.  He was a school board member for the public school system, helped to set up hospice services locally, served on the State Board of Ethics for social work, and helped initiate the Better Beginnings Program for teen pregnancy just to name a few.  Dan officially retired from Mount Rogers and worked part time at his private practice 3CCCs until he began his golden years traveling with his spouse Patricia Jackson, whom he married Dec 26, 2021.

Dan is survived by his spouse Patricia Jackson and her three sons Richard, Thomas, and Daniel Jackson. He is also survived by his daughter Kathryn Ralston, her husband Charles Ralston, and their children William and Carolyn Ralston. His daughter Amelia Sutton and her wife Sherry Sutton, along with her children, Eden and Gemma Curtiss. Dan is further survived by his brother, David Aycock and wife Wonji Aycock, niece Joyce Aycock and her husband Bob Doebele and grandnieces Mina and Tess Doebele. Additionally, his nephew, Dan Aycock and his wife Rebecca, grandnephews Alexander and Julian.  His niece, Hilda Broward and her husband Lee Hughes remain to cherish his memory.

Dan lived by the belief that life was an adventure, and he saw everyone as a storyteller. Though quiet, he possessed profound insight. Relationships played a significant role in both his personal and professional life. As a psychotherapist, he blended compassion, science, and spirituality to touch the lives of many.  His story came to a close suddenly, and he departed life on his own terms.

"He who can love can be; he who can be can do; he who can do is." … George Gurdjief

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the Vaughan-Guynn Chapel with with Dr. Tom Whartenby officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to :

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is a nonprofit mental health organization whose mission is to provide "advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives," with a focus on reducing stigma and improving the mental health system.

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