Obituary of Donald Wesley Ayers Sr.

Donald Wesley Ayers, Sr. 84 of Roanoke went to be with the Lord on Friday April 5, 2019. His wife of 59 years Anita Jacqueline “Jackie” Ayers, his parents, Wesley P.. and Beatrice A. Cochran Ayers, and 2 brothers Garland and Jerry Ayers preceded him.

Mr. Ayers is a retired veteran, having served proudly for 20 years in the United States Navy. He then retired after 30 plus years with the Roanoke Electric Steel Mill. During his off time he enjoyed working on cars, watching old westerns, singing his country music, but mostly enjoy being with his family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren. A very loving and devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend who is going to be dearly missed by all.

Left to cherish his memory are his 5 children, Cecil Franklin Ayers and wife Beverly of TN, Donald Wesley Ayers Jr. and wife Becca, Evelyn Ayers Graham, Pamela Ayers Gibson and husband Jason, and Michael Wayne Ayers and wife Sandy all of Roanoke; 15 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 8 sisters, Lorraine Pennington of Poway, CA, Della Fearing of Perris, CA, Barbara Christian of El Cajon, CA, Laverne Hall of Stoneville, NC, Sherry Ayers of Eden, NC, Dreama Armstrong of Eden, NC, Agnes Hall of Archdale, NC, and Karen Hopkins of Eden, NC; 2 brothers, Marvin Ayers of Eden, NC and James Ayers of Eden, NC. In addition, his feline companion “Bailey” and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held 2:00pm Wednesday April 10, 2019 at Simpson Funeral Home with Pastor Todd Stiffler officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends on Tuesday April 9, 2019 from 2:00-4:00pm and 5:00-8:00pm at Simpson Funeral Home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.simpsonfuneral.com. Arrangements handled by Simpson Funeral Home, 366-0707.