By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

“The 66^th Annual Shelby County Fair is dedicated to Mr. Clyde C. Aycock for his many years of service with the Kiwanis Club of Columbiana,” says Shelby County Fair’s insert.

Aycock is well-known in Columbiana as a man of integrity with a servant’s heart. Born Jan. 27, 1919 with his twin brother Clarence, Aycock grew up modestly.

The twins along with their siblings worked the family farm, living in a home with no electricity or plumbing.

After his high school graduation, Aycock worked as an apprentice carpenter, portend of his life-long talent of working with his hands.

He married Mary Teal and they had a wonderful marriage for 72 years till her death.

Aycock joined the U.S. Army in 1943, went to boot camp and was shipped to England in 1944.

He worked in supply unloading ships and delivering supplies to Patton’s 3^rd Army in the Battle of the Bulge.

He was promoted to sergeant after being transferred to France, Belgium and Germany where he served with distinction earning two bronze stars.

After the war, he traveled to England, went to cabinet making school and finally returned home to Alabama.

Aycock became a superintendent with Robins Engineering for 26 years, a highly trusted, dependable employee.

He moved his family to Pine Grove Village on Lay Lake where their daughter Mary T. graduated from Shelby County High School.

The family joined Columbiana United Methodist Church where wife Mary taught the ladies Sunday School Open Door class for over 30 years.

Aycock is a member of the Luther Fowler Men’s Bible Class where he served as treasurer for over 15 years.

He was an active member of the Columbiana Kiwanis Club serving as the fair’s treasurer for 20 years.

“Clyde was offered the presidency of the club several times but chose to be a worker instead,” said friend Johnny Jones. “He would layout the floor of the fair booths and everything would fit like a puzzle. Clyde is a man of service. He was always building whatever was needed in his Lay Lake community or in Columbiana. I could go on and on about this remarkable Christian man, friend, mentor, patriot, positive example, community servant, helper, dad, husband, lover of kids and animals. When you refer to ‘The Greatest Generation,’ Clyde C. Aycock is a living example of what this remarkable group was and continues to be.”