New Scholarship Honors Alum and His Big Heart

David Aylor ’02 grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but made an impact on the Lowcountry as a passionate lawyer, tireless volunteer and dedicated friend and father.

“They broke the mold when they made David,” says his friend and mentor, Ken Harrell, a partner with Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers. “He had a big personality and an infectious energy that he applied in everything he did.”

Harrell first met Aylor when he came to him about building his own law firm. After graduating from the College of Charleston with a B.A. in political science, Aylor attended the University of South Carolina School of Law and then served as assistant solicitor in the Ninth Circuit Solicitors Office for Charleston County. Then, he was ready to embark on his own.

“I recognized a younger version of myself in David,” says Harrell. “He was a hustler in the best sense of the term. I admired how he grew his business – very client centric with a focus on employees.”

Aylor established his law firm in 2009. With 22 staff and six locations, the David Aylor Law Offices served more than 10,000 clients in the Lowcountry and beyond.

Aylor also loved to share his knowledge of the law and the legal profession. Not only did he influence his brothers’ decision to enter the field, but he also taught criminal justice as an adjunct professor at the College of Charleston and at Trident Technical College. Because he was well-connected in the legal community, he frequently had guest speakers come to his class to share their expertise. He also took time to develop relationships with his students, including mentoring dozens of students with an interest in the field of law. In fact, some of these students got their start working at the David Aylor Law Offices.

Aylor folded his passion for motorcycles into his business. He established the Riders Law Group to provide representation for injured motorcyclists.

Aylor’s presence could be found throughout the Lowcountry. He served as a lunch buddy once a month for a Hanahan Elementary School student. He volunteered with and supported Going Places, Be a Mentor, Charleston Animal Society, Charleston Hispanic Association, Boy Scouts of America, Birthdays For All, Push-Up & Up, Toys for Tots and many more.

Aylor’s acts of kindness are fondly remembered by his son Fletcher, parents Pete and Jean, and brothers Drew and John. All who knew Aylor profess that if anyone needed anything at any time, he was always there.

Aylor passed away in 2023, and to honor him and continue his desire to help others, his friends created the David F. Aylor Endowed Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship targets students with financial need who are residents of South Carolina and are participating in the Pre-law Advising Program.

“David had a big heart and big charitable side, and he would love to know that students are receiving a scholarship in his name,” says Harrell.

Please visit the David F. Aylor Endowed Memorial Scholarship site to make a donation.