With simple beginnings as a farm boy and 4-H member in Wayne Co., Edmund Aycock is one of the most respected individuals in the state. Edmund had many 4-H accomplishments, but he says his most successful was meeting his future bride, Elizabeth Johnson, 1936 NC Health Queen, at NC 4-H Club Shortcourse. Receiving an agriculture degree from NCSU in 1936, he spent 11 years as County 4-H & Farm Agent and worked as farm manager. During 23 years at Wachovia Bank, he held many positions and retired as Vice President in 1978. During that time, he also was a consultant to numerous business and agri-business start-ups. He was selected as the executive officer of the NC Agribusiness Council and served from 1981-91.
Edmund & Elizabeth Aycock have chosen to give back in many ways. They have made gifts to the NC State Alumni Center. The Edmund and Elizabeth Aycock 4-H Scholarship Endowment that they established in 2002 provides educational scholarships to 4-H youth who could otherwise not attend college. They continue to give to the scholarship and often make special contributions to one of their ” or girls” who need a little extra cash. Says one of their students, ” Aycocks have made it possible for me to achieve beyond my 4-H career. I wish to pass their legacy forward by supporting their scholarship as an adult because they have shown me the way to a great future.”
