Wilburn Ayers

Wilburn Ayers, age 78, of Caroleen, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at his residence.

      Wilburn was born Wednesday, August 16, 1944 in Johnson City, Tennessee to the late Oscar Vernal Ayers, Sr. and Rosie Marie Rice Ayers. He was a truck driver most of his life, having worked most recently for Pryway Trucking in Shelby. He was a member of Race Path Baptist Church where he served on the cemetery committee and the building and grounds committee. Wilburn had a heart for others. In displaying his compassion, he would mow lawns and do whatever he could do to help meet the needs of those around him. Wilburn was a dedicated husband, brother, father, Pawpaw and friend. He enjoyed woodworking and rebuilding tractors.

     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Charlotte Ayers Cannon; granddaughter, Zoey Bailey and three brothers, Harold Gene Ayers, Oscar Vernal Ayers, Jr. and Gary Ayers.

     Those left to cherish fond memories include his wife of twenty-nine years, Janice Martin Ayers; children, Jackie Ayers Kelly (Michael) of Largo, Florida, Bobby Eugene Ayers (Christi) of Henrietta, Penny Ayers Webb (Jerry) of Sandy Mush, Barbara Ayers Shytle (Craig) of Henrietta, Sandy Bailey (John Trotter) of Mooresboro, Gloria Morris (Claude) of Eatonton, Georgia and Tommy Bailey (Evie) of Mooresboro; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Karen Walker of Johnson City, TN, Linda Whitson of Jonesboro, TN, Renea Whitson of Jonesboro, TN and brothers, Lloyd Ayers (Shirley) of Star, SC and Johnny Ayers (Jean) of Johnson City, TN.

     The funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, May 30^th at Race Path Baptist Church with Reverend Roger Laws, Bro. Craig Ledford and Reverend Randall Cooper officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the church.

     Memorial donations are requested to Race Path Baptist Church, 1171 Race Path Church Road, Ellenboro, NC 28040.