Aaron Neal Clinard

Aaron Neal Clinard died peacefully on March 7, 2024 after a 9 year battle with cancer.  His family was by his side as he took his last breath at his beloved home, Oak Grove.  He was born on March 19, 1947, the oldest son of the late Aaron Brown Clinard and Mabel Hepler Clinard of Thomasville.  He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Lyl MacLean Clinard; his daughter, Lyl MacLean Clinard Kluttz and husband Bill of Winston-Salem; his son, Aaron Neal Clinard, Jr. and wife Betsey of High Point; adored and special grandsons of whom he was very proud, Aaron Neal Clinard III, William Clarence Kluttz IV, Rudduck Mendenhall Clinard, Lawrence Hector MacLean Clinard, and Bondurant Whatley Clinard.  He is also survived by his brothers, Rodney Helper Clinard and wife Annette of Greensboro, and Don Brooks Clinard and wife Julie, and niece Ella Brooks Clinard of Thomasville.

During his 76 years, Aaron proudly and unselfishly lived a life of service to many.  Privately, he benefited family and friends with gifts of his time and talents.  Publicly, he served in numerous leadership roles in his school, career, church, the city of High Point, the state of North Carolina and his nation.

A 1965 graduate of Thomasville Senior High School, Aaron was a leader from the very beginning.  He was President of the State Student Council Congress of North Carolina, the State High School Debating Champion, a US Junior Senator through the US Senate youth program, and voted most likely to succeed.  Upon graduating high school, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was Vice-President of the Freshman class.

In 1967, Aaron proudly volunteered for military service in the United States Army.  Although not drafted, he felt it was his duty to serve.  He completed a tour in Vietnam with the 54th Signal Battalion and achieved the rank of Sergeant.  While in Vietnam, Aaron was exposed to Agent Orange, which caused the cancer that ultimately took his life.  But, Aaron was forever a patriot and was very proud of his service to our country.  He showed this in many ways like displaying the American flag on a flagpole at his home.

He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Unit Citation Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Cold War Service Medal for his service.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Aaron returned to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and finished his degree in political science and history.  Aaron then earned his Law degree from Wake Forest University and moved to High Point to begin a successful career practicing law.

Aaron’s career as an attorney led him to become the go-to resource for those who needed advice and counsel.  He was trusted by so many, and his gentle and humble nature to resolve conflict always brought a fair conclusion.  Aaron practiced law for 31 years, culminating as the Senior Partner and Manager of Fisher, Clinard & Cornwell, the oldest law firm in High Point (1924).  He served as President of the High Point Bar Association and was given the Centennial Award from the North Carolina and High Point Bar Associations for Outstanding and Exemplary Community Service.

Born in Thomasville, Aaron was passionate about his adopted home of High Point.  He will be remembered for his tireless work as a leader, utilizing his knowledge and experience in corporate governance for the benefit of many civic groups.  He served as a board member for various organizations including: High Point University Board of Visitors, Congdon Events Center, String & Splinter Club, High Point Community Concerts, High Point Showroom Association (High Point Design Center), Junior League of High Point Advisory Committee, Chief’s Advisory Committee (HP Police Department), Hospice of the Piedmont, High Point Economic Development Corporation, High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau, Family Service of the Piedmont, Cultural Arts Facility Task Force Member, Communities in Schools Career Mentor Program, St. Catherine's School Board of Governors, GTCC Foundation, N.C. General Assembly Legislative Study Commission on Youth and Children, Uwharrie Council for the  Boy Scouts of America, High Point Country Club, City of High Point Land Use Study Committee, High Point Rotary Club, and the Bienenstock Furniture Library.

In addition, he was selected to be President or Chairman of the following organizations: High Point Heroes Committee, High Point Chamber of Commerce, High Point Arts Council, High Point Drug Action Council (now Green Point), The Vineyard (Christian Youth Camp), Litchfield Inn Council of Co-Owners, Westchester Academy (now Westchester Country Day School), and the Truist Bank Local Advisory board. 

Aaron had extraordinary passion for the revitalization of downtown High Point.  He was involved with what is now called Forward High Point, serving as the Chairman of the High Point Downtown Improvement Committee, The City Project, and the Ignite High Point Commission.

Among his many honors were the Chairman’s Award from the High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Distinguished Citizen of the Year and Small Business Advocate of the Year from the High Point Chamber of Commerce, Honorary Chairman of the Spring Frolic Fundraiser for the North Carolina Museum of History Associates, the North Carolina Museum of History Foundation Philanthropy Award, the Key to the City from the City of High Point in recognition of his years of impact and efforts for the revitalization of downtown High Point, and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Roy Cooper, one of the highest civilian awards in the state of North Carolina.

Aaron was a man of incredibly strong faith, which enabled his famously positive attitude that was infectious for all those who knew him.  He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served in many capacities including Moderator of the Diaconate and countless committees, Senior High Sunday School teacher, Member of the Session and Ruling Elder, Member of the Presbyterian Homes of North Carolina Board of Governors and Founding Chairman of the Presbyterian Homes Foundation of North Carolina.

Along with his many accomplishments, Aaron would say that his greatest achievement was the family that he built with the love of his life, his “strength,” his devoted and loving wife Lyl.  She along with MacLean, Neal, Bill, Betsey, and his 5 Grandsons were the pride of his life.

The family wants to thank the medical team at the VA and Baptist hospitals, Hospice of the Piedmont, and the staff at Pennybyrn Transitional Rehabilitation Center for their incredible care for Aaron.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, at First Presbyterian Church in High Point, NC.  Committal with military honors will follow at the church columbarium.  The family will receive friends following the committal service in the Family Life Center at the church.

The family has requested that any gifts or memorials be directed to the North Carolina Museum of History Foundation, High Point University or First Presbyterian Church, High Point, NC.

Arrangements by Cumby Family Funeral Service, High Point.