A memorial service for former UNC Chancellor William Aycock, who died Saturday at the age of 99, will be held Friday at University United Methodist Church on Franklin Street.

Aycock served as chancellor from 1957 to 1964.

During that turbulent time in U.S. history, he stood up, in the name of free speech, against the N.C. General Assembly’s efforts to ban communist speakers on campus.

Jim Heavner, owner and CEO of WCHL’s parent company Vilcom Inc., remembers Aycock as a leader of great stature, who accomplished much in his service to UNC.

Former UNC Board of Trustees Chair Wade Hargrove was a student at UNC during Chancellor Aycock’s tenure.

“He was respected by the General Assembly, by the faculty, and by students,” Hargrove recalled. “He had these great communication skills. And he was genuine. You knew it was from the heart. And of course, he cared deeply for the university.”

Friday’s memorial at University United Methodist Church, located at 150 East Franklin Street, begins at 2 p.m.

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