Vernon E. Ayscue, 98, died Jan. 27, 2015, at his daughter’s home in Lutz with loving family by his side.
He was born July 12, 1916, in Franklin County, North Carolina, to the late Davie Ayscue and Myrtle Woodlief Ayscue.
Mr. Ayscue was a proud U.S. Army veteran who served with the 4th Infantry (Ivy) Division in five campaigns during WWII: the Normandy invasion on D-Day at Utah Beach, Cherbourg, St. Lo, the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge. He was honored to receive the French Legion of Honor medal, as one of the many heroes who participated in the liberation of France. In 1953, he and his wife, Juanita, moved from North Carolina to Plant City with their three children. He worked in the trucking business and for Eastern Oil Company before his retirement in 1981. Mr. Ayscue and Juanita were active members of the First Baptist Church in Plant City for more than 50 years, where they made lifelong friends. Mr. Ayscue was a member of the American Legion Post 26, serving as post commander from 1982-1984, and a member of the Lions Club, serving as president from 1968-1969. He received the Melvin Jones Award, the highest award given by the Lions Club, at the Lions Club International Convention held in Sydney, Australia, in 1991. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and did both until his mid-80s. He loved being with family and friends and was known for being a big jokester. Throughout his life, Mr. Ayscue was a hard-working, honest man who was loved and respected by many. He was a wonderful role model for his family.
Mr. Ayscue is survived by his daughters, LaVerne (Jerry) Goss and Elizabeth (Bill) Katz; grandchildren, Kelley Goss (Tommy) Tartaro, Matthew (Joy) Goss and Vernon (Keri) Joseph Katz; great-grandchildren, T.J. and Hannah Tartaro, and Ryan and Regan Goss; sister-in-law, Janice Ayscue; other in-laws, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of almost 70 years, Juanita; his only son, Vernon Earl Ayscue Jr.; his twin brother, Virgil (Frances); and siblings, Myrtle Finch Fuller (Yarborough), Beulah Holmes (Wylie), John (Mary Ellen), David P. and Jack.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Mr. Ayscue’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.