Obituary of James Ayers

James Willard Ayers Mr. Ayers, 79, of Charlotte, went home to be with the Lord on July 5, 2009 after a brief illness with cancer. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church on Tuesday, July 8 at 1:30 PM with family visitation afterwards in the church fellowship hall. Born on July 28, 1929 in Homer, Ga., Willard was the son of the late John William Ayers and Pearl Y. Dalton. He graduated as Valedictorian of his class at Banks County High School and from Southern Business University in Atlanta, Ga. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Charlotte and loved to serve each Wednesday at the Power Lunch. He served three years in the Air National Guard, with a tour of duty in Japan during the Korean Conflict. Willard?s business career began with Universal Film Exchange and he retired from General Electric after a successful career as a commercial salesman. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Evelyn Ayers of Charlotte and children: Jim Ayers and wife Peggy of Lakehill, Florida, Jamie Brewster and husband John of Troy, Ohio, Brian Ayers and wife Jane of Gibsonville, NC, Al Robinson of Laurel Fork, Virginia; Risa DeShields and husband Doug of Weddington and Jeannine Williams and husband Steve of Charlotte. Willard is also survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Willard is also survived by a brother Leonard Ayers of Mineral Wells, Texas and a sister Ann A. Wood of Commerce, Ga. He was predeceased by sisters, Gwendolyn A. Robinson and Francine A. Garrison. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to First Baptist Church, 301 South Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.