Rev. Don Milton Aycock, Ph.D., 74, graduated to Heaven on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at his Hollister, Fla. residence.
Born in El Campo, Texas, Don grew up in Evangeline and was a 1969 graduate of Iota High School in Iota. Answering a call to the ministry, Don received a Bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy from Louisiana College in Pineville in 1974; and earned two Masters degrees — a Master of Divinity in 1976 and another in Preaching & Pastoral Care in 1978 from Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He later earned a Ph.D. in Theology and Church History from New Orleans Baptist Seminary in 1986.
In 2003, Don founded Liberty Baptist Church in Palatka, Fla. He pastored six other churches in various states throughout his ministry. He published 21 books on faith and Christianity under various publishers — some of which are still in print. He taught public speaking part-time for 14 years at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla. and Santa Fe State College in Gainesville, Fla. and also taught World Religions for 10 years at St. Johns River State College in Palatka, Fla.
In his leisure time, Don enjoyed fishing, traveling and playing the guitar — especially in the Chet Atkins style.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Mabel Aycock.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Carla Ricketts Aycock; twin sons, Dr. Ryan Aycick (Jennifer Boxen) and Dr. Christopher Aycock; a brother and sisterin- law, Glen and Cecelia Aycock; a sister, Linda LeJeune; a grandson, Jacob Aycock; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Masters Funeral Home in Palatka, Fla. with Chaplain Jakie Carmicle officiating. Friends are invited to call after 1:30 p.m. — a half-hour before the start of the service.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Palatka Christian Service Center, 2600 Peters Street, Palatka, FL 32177 or online at: heartofputnam.com/financial-donations.
Messages of sympathy may be shared on Don’s online tribute page at: themastersfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Masters Funeral Home of Palatka, Fla.
