Gary Darnell Aaron Sr. "Ace"

Gary Darnell Aaron Sr., affectionately known as "Ace," was born on March 19, 1966, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to the late R.C. Aaron Sr. and Lois Jean Jones-Aaron. As the youngest child of this union, Ace became the heartbeat of the family. His infectious smile, sense of humor, wit, motivation, and stubborn personality continued to shine throughout his lifetime.

Gary was educated in the El Dorado Public School District, attending Northwest and Watson Elementary Schools and Rogers Junior High School. He was a proud graduate of El Dorado High School's Class of 1984. He continued his education at Southern Arkansas University. In 2019, he graduated cum laude from South Arkansas Community College with an Associate of Arts degree. He later earned Certificates of Proficiency in Law Enforcement in 2022 and Criminal Justice in 2023 from South Arkansas Community College.

In April 1992, Ace began one of the proudest chapters of his life: fatherhood. His son, Gary Aaron Jr., was born, creating a bond of love that would transcend eternity.

Ace began his career working for J. Christy Construction before joining the Union County Sheriff's Department, where he served for more than a decade. He later worked for the City of El Dorado for several years until his health prevented him from continuing.

Ace had a passion for sports. He played sports throughout his school years, and as an adult, he could often be found on the basketball court in Fordsville, talking his talk and playing the game he loved. He also coached an adult basketball league team, the South Arkansas Hoopsters. Ace was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan and also loved the North Carolina Tar Heels.

On May 30, 2015, Ace married the love of his life, Paula J. Cook. Through their union, his family grew as he gained a daughter and another son.

As his health changed, Ace became an advocate for diabetes education and amputees. He used his social media platforms to spread awareness and share his story. He and his wife began "Testimony Thursday" as a way to share the goodness of God, even in the face of adversity. Together, they also founded the Black Marriage Movement to celebrate and mentor Black married couples.

Throughout his life, Ace never met a stranger. His outgoing personality and genuine spirit allowed him to form countless friendships that lasted a lifetime.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, October 18, 2026, God welcomed Gary "Ace" Aaron Sr. home to his eternal reward.

He was preceded in death by his father, R.C. Aaron Sr.; paternal grandparents, A.C. and Florence Aaron; maternal grandparents, Nellie Irene Jones and Travis Jones; brother, Rickey L. Meadows; sisters, Sharon Ross and Stephanie Aaron-Harris; uncles, Admon Aaron, A.G. Aaron, Jimmy L. Jones, and Eddie D. Gray; aunts, Jessie M. Hicks and Evelyn Welch; and parents-in-law, Billy and Rosetta Cook.

His precious memory will forever be cherished by his devoted wife of 11 years, Paula J. Aaron of El Dorado, Arkansas; two sons, Gary D. Aaron Jr. of Texarkana, Texas, and Alex Kemp of El Dorado, Arkansas; one daughter, Alexis Kemp of El Dorado, Arkansas; his loving mother, Lois J. Aaron of El Dorado, Arkansas; three brothers, Roy C. Aaron Jr. (Felisha), Michael Aaron, and Kenneth Aaron, all of El Dorado, Arkansas; five sisters, Linda Gail Fraizer of Los Angeles, California, Linda Ann Aaron of El Dorado, Arkansas, Victoria Green-Reed of Spearsville, Louisiana, Michelle Woodfork of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Aretha Wallace (Kenneth) of El Dorado, Arkansas; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one uncle, Alvin Jones of Dallas, Texas; one aunt, Earlene Gray of El Dorado, Arkansas; one very close niece, Bridget Aaron of Little Rock, Arkansas; two special friends, Brenda Hall and JaQuita Jackson; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends who will miss him dearly.