Mr. David Earle Ayers

David Earle Ayers - beloved husband, father, grandfather, successful businessman, and dedicated bus driver, passed away peacefully on July 16th, 2024 at the age of 85. Born on January 15th, 1939, David grew up in Grant as the youngest of 11 children. He graduated from KDS DAR High in 1957 and went on to build a successful career as the owner and operator of Western Auto and later Grant Hardware. His dedication and experience in the Grant business community earned him the respect and admiration of many. In addition to his business pursuits, David loved watching sports, especially DAR basketball and the Braves baseball team. He found great fulfillment as a bus driver for KDS DAR school, where he loved transporting athletes to their sporting events. His kind and supportive nature endeared him to students and colleagues alike, making a lasting impact on the school community. David loved his family above all else. He married his sweetheart, Peggy Keel Ayers and they shared 66 years together. Their bond was a source of strength for the family, and was marked by countless cherished memories. As the father of two children, he instilled in them values of kindness, charity, honesty, & perseverance. He was their unwavering supporter through every triumph and challenge. To his grandchildren he was a constant and loving presence, always ready with a smile, candy, and a story. They brought him immense joy, and he appreciated every moment spent with them. David's kindness and generosity touched the lives of all who knew him. He had a passion for people & loved visiting with his customers and friends. His warm spirit & sense of humor brightened any room he was in. He will be most remembered for his smile and slogan of "Have a great day today and a better one tomorrow." David was preceded in death by his beloved son, Bentley Ayers, his parents Emmett Ayers & Mary Case Ayers, and 10 siblings, Bernice Ledbetter, Ola Wright, Aline Schutz, Ruby Burrell, Edward Ayers, Emmett Ayers, Sherman Ayers, Roland Ayers, Lila Kate Lucille Ayers, Mary Jean Smith, and several nieces and nephews whose memory he cherished dearly. He is survived by his devoted wife, Peggy Keel Ayers, his loving daughter, Angie Ayers Meadows (Gerry), grandchildren, Allen Ayers, Ashley Meadows Weems (Chris), Brentley Ayers Webb (Cody), Alex Meadows, & LaShonda Smith, and 8 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 20th, at Grant Memorial Chapel from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm with the service immediately following. Rev. Anthony Barnes and Rev. Joe Teal will officiate. Serving as pallbearers will be Alex Meadows, Chris Weems, Connor Weems, Cody Webb, Jimmy Ledbetter, and Joe Wright. Honorary pallbearers will be Allen Ayers, Donald Smith, Joe Bearden, Leonard Ledbetter, Casey Smith, and James Earl Ledbetter. He will be interred at Old Union Cemetery. The family will accept flowers, or donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Forever in our hearts, David Earle Ayers will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his unwavering love and his warm presence in our lives. May he rest in peace. Arrangements Entrusted to Grant Memorial Chapel.

Mr. David Earle Ayers

January 15, 1939 - July 16, 2024