Robert "Bob" Ayers

Mr. Robert (Bob) Ayers passed away Sunday, September 25th at the VA Hospice in Asheville, NC. 

Mr. Ayers was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina the son of the late John Calvin Ayers and the late Jessie Funderburk Ayers. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Donald Calvin Ayers. He was a graduate of Furman University. After graduation, he served as an active-duty officer and later a reserve officer in the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery. Following his active military service, he began a decades-long career as an executive in the textile industry, and thereafter took a position as a sales representative for Etta Packaging in Marion, NC. He was a long-standing deacon, choir member and member of the Journey Sunday school class, which he also taught at First Baptist Church in Marion. He was passionate about his family, the New York Yankees, the Furman Paladins and his beloved dog Bitzee.   

Services for Mr. Ayers will be a visitation from 2:00-3:00 PM, Sunday, October 9th followed immediately by a memorial service.  Both services will be held at First Baptist Church Marion, 99 North Main St. Marion, NC. Dr. Scott Hagaman and Rev. Matt Roberts officiating. 

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Deborah Ayers of Marion, son Jim Ayers (Debbie) of Fairfax, VA; daughter Amy Clark (Ansel) of Marion, NC; son Jon Ayers (Catherine) of Cary, NC; and step-daughter Misty Hensley (Marcus) of Marion, NC; his 7 grandchildren Zack Ayers (Margaret) of Seymour, Indiana; Madeline Webb (Zach) of Richmond, VA; Sara Clark and Emily Clark of Raleigh, NC; Eliza Ayers and Evan Ayers of Cary, NC; and Tori Hensley of Marion, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to First Baptist Church of Marion Willing Workers Fund, or VA Hospice Center in Oteen, NC.