Obituary of Nelson Gordon Aycock

Nelson Gordon Aycock, 81, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2023 with his wife and children by his side, following a valiant, fifteen year battle with Parkinson's disease.  Born on November 5, 1941 in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Nelson was the second son of Hubert David Aycock and Mary Elizabeth Goforth.

Nelson attended Goldsboro High School and later graduated from North Carolina State University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics.  Following graduation, Nelson married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Mattie Kate Harrison, on June 6, 1964.  They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple the next year.  Nelson and Mattie were blessed with five children and built a life in Chapel Hill where they have lived happily for more than 40 years.  Nelson enjoyed a distinguished 42-year career at IBM where he held various roles, most recently as the resident ThinkPad expert in the Executive Briefing Center.  These last 10 years of his career were some of the most rewarding, allowing him to present to and engage with customers from around the world.  His talents and accomplishments, however, extended far beyond academics and the workplace.

Quick-witted and a natural storyteller, Nelson had an affinity for public speaking and a passion for learning new things and acquiring new skills.  Above all, he treasured spending quality time with his family, grandchildren, and dear friends.  Among his favorite pastimes were family vacations in Emerald Isle, traveling the world with Mattie, and enjoying the great outdoors.  He loved camping, fishing, and hunting.  He cherished moments spent dancing with Mattie and watching the sunset on Bogue Sound.  He loved following NC State Wolfpack athletics, telling a good joke, and grilling the “world's greatest burgers.”

A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nelson lived a life guided by values of honesty, integrity, and hard work.  He enjoyed regularly serving in both his church and community.  Nelson was a great strength to his family and led by example, imparting these principles to his children and their families.

Nelson is survived by Mattie, his wife of 59 years, and their adoring five children: Angela Isgett (Keith) of Apex, NC, Wendy Miller (David) of Richmond, VA, Erin Anderson (Brock) of Chicago, IL, Jeremy Aycock (Michelle) of Apex, NC, and Jason Aycock (Laura) of Charleston, SC, and eleven grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brother, David H. Aycock (Pat) of Cabot, AR.

Nelson was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert David Aycock and Mary Elizabeth  Goforth, and his younger brother, Robert Bayron Aycock.

Nelson’s memory will forever live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.  He will be remembered for his dedication to family, unwavering loyalty, adventurous spirit, and the values he instilled in the lives of those he knew and loved.  It is our hope that his memory and legacy be kept alive by honoring the life lessons he taught  and continuing the family traditions that brought him joy.  The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the many healthcare workers and caregivers who have assisted with his care.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 10:30 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1050 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.  Family and friends are also welcome to attend the burial service scheduled for 3:30 PM that same day at the Thomas Ruffin Aycock Cemetery located on the property of 198 Aycock-Coston Lane, Pikeville, NC  27863.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the upkeep and maintenance of the Thomas Ruffin Aycock Family Cemetery, where Nelson will be laid to rest. 

We are currently in the process of setting up an official account for the Thomas Ruffin Aycock Cemetery. In the interim, donations can be made to @thomasruffinaycockcemetery Venmo account, or by check, made out to Jason Aycock in care of the Thomas Ruffin Aycock Cemetery, mailed to 1946 Wild Indigo Way, Hanahan, SC, 29410.

Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is assisting the family.  

For anyone who cannot attend the funeral in person, you may watch the service online using the link provided below:

Nelson Gordon Aycock Funeral Services