'Idol' Clay Aiken's Father Dies at 68

Clay Aiken Forum

WAKE FOREST, N.C. - Funeral services were held Monday for Vernon Grissom, the birth father of pop singer Clay Aiken.



Grissom died Friday at Franklin Regional Hospital in Louisburg. He was 68.


Aiken, the runner-up in last year's "American Idol" competition, sang in concert Monday night at Raleigh's RBC Center. He had been estranged from his birth father for many years and did not attend Monday's funeral.


A resident of Youngsville, Grisson was a retired auto parts salesman. He separated from Aiken's mother, Faye Parker, when Aiken was a toddler.


Monday's funeral was held at Bright Funeral Home in Wake Forest and was followed by burial at Woodland Baptist Church cemetery.


Aiken often referred to his mother's second husband, Ray Parker, as his father. Parker died in July 2002.


The singer changed his last name from Grissom when he was 20, taking his mother's maiden name.

I think it is sad, the death of a human being is always hard, even if such people did do some wrong in their life. I just hope that this does not hang too heavily on Clay's heart, and I hope he feels no guilt for not wanting to reconcile with his father. I just pray for the best for Vernom's family. God rest his soul.

yes, everyone, i think it is important to pray for Clay and his family cause this really must be a tough time, no matter what grudges existed or still exist. I hope this doesn't effect Clay too much, cause hes doin concerts right now, and im sure the last thing he needs is another burden on his shoulders.

omg.....so i guess this is where u heard it was true. omg omg......this is so so sad. i want to cry for clay. i wonder how clay feels? this is the WORST thing ever! imagine how hard it must be for him even if he wasn't famous to decide whether or not to go to his FATHER'S funeral.....and now that he's famous its even worse. wow.....i kinda always thought they'd make up.