Aaron Clinard Passes Away at 76

Furniture World News Desk on 3/11/2024

Well-known High Point attorney Aaron Neal Clinard died on March 7, 2024, following a nine-year battle with cancer. He was born on March 19, 1947. 

Clinard was passionate about revitalizing downtown High Point. He was involved with what is now Forward High Point, serving as the Chairman of the High Point Downtown Improvement Committee, The City Project, and the Ignite High Point Commission.

He will be remembered for his tireless work as a leader, utilizing his knowledge and experience in corporate governance to benefit many civic groups.  He served as a board member for various organizations including High Point University Board of Visitors, the Bienenstock Furniture Library, 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 and the High Point Rotary Club.

During his 76 years, Clinard 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.

He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, then served in Vietnam with the 54th Signal Battalion and achieved the rank of Sergeant.  While in Vietnam, Clinard was exposed to Agent Orange, which caused the cancer that ultimately took his life. 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, he returned to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earned a Law degree from Wake Forest University and moved to High Point to begin a successful career practicing law. He became Senior Partner and Manager of Fisher, Clinard & Cornwell, the oldest law firm in High Point and served as President of the High Point Bar Association.

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

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, at First Presbyterian Church in High Point, NC. 

The family requests that 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.