Clois Ray Aycock

Clois Ray Aycock, age 89 of Saucier, passed away on June 30, 2024. The world lost a remarkable educator and a loving family man. Clois was born on October 20, 1934, in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, and his journey was marked by dedication to teaching and a deep passion for history and language.

Clois's educational pursuits were extensive and admirable. From being the Valedictorian of Long Creek High School to obtaining his Ph.D. in World History with an emphasis in Russian History from the University of Southern Mississippi, his academic achievements were truly commendable. He pursued his associate degree at Meridian Junior College, Meridian, MS, received his B.A. in English and History from George Peabody College for Teachers, Nashville, TN, now part of Vanderbilt University, and received his M.A. in Modern European History with emphasis in Russian History from the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS. He also underwent Russian language training at the Army Language School in California, preparing him for service as a Language Specialist in the United States Air Force in Japan.

Throughout his career, Clois impacted countless lives with his love for teaching. Even after retirement, he couldn't resist sharing his knowledge and continued to teach as a substitute teacher and ESL instructor. His commitment to education was unwavering, which could be seen in his genuine desire to explain things in great detail. From an early age to retirement, the life of Clois Aycock was linked in some way to schools as a student or as a teacher. He taught at Miami Country Day School, a private boy’s residential school in Miami, Florida, Lauderdale County Schools in Lauderdale County, MS, Decatur High School, Decatur, MS, Hattiesburg High School, Hattiesburg, MS, Delta State University, Cleveland, MS, Moss Point High School, Moss Point, MS, and Stone County High School, Wiggins, MS

Clois was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Aycock and Annie Roland Aycock; as well as his brothers, Ralph Aycock (W. Mildred) and Melvin Aycock (W. Betty) all from the Long Creek Community. 

His memory will be cherished by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Brown Aycock of Saucier; their children, Nathan Brown Aycock of Boonton, New Jersey, and Emily Aycock Lymon (H. Tony Lymon) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Clois also leaves behind three adored grandchildren: Zachary Lee Aycock of Chicago, Illinois, Norah Song Aycock of Washington D.C. and Colette Olivia Lymon of New Orleans, Louisiana; and his sister, Nellie Doris Aycock Linton (H. Carl Linton) of Meridian, Mississippi.

A funeral service to honor Clois's life will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Saucier United Methodist Church with visitation beginning at 1:00pm. The graveside service will take place at 2:00pm on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery in Meridian, MS. 

Clois Ray Aycock will be fondly remembered for his intellect, kindness, and unwavering dedication to education. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and inspired throughout his remarkable life journey.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family. An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .