Mr. Gary Allen Ayers, age 71, of Fincastle, Virginia, died Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at LewisGale Medical Center, Salem. He was the husband of Vicki Lynn Sloane Ayers.
Mr. Ayers was born February 4, 1950 in Alleghany County, the son of the late Emmett Melvin Ayers, Jr. and Florence Isabelle Gunter Ayers.
He was employed as a motor route carrier by the Fincastle Post Office before his retirement.
Gary was a member of Living Well Church of Nazarene in Salem.
Mr. Ayers was a trivia buff, animal lover and enjoyed shopping for bargains at flea markets. An avid sports fan, Gary was a diehard Cleveland Browns and Virginia Tech fan and enjoyed playing fantasy football on the computer. In his spare time, Mr. Ayers enjoyed playing golf.
A gifted storyteller that also remembered every story that he was told, Gary was an avid reader and an author of three books. Mr. Ayers loved researching his family genealogy and ancestry. He was a wonderful family man who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Vicki, Mr. Ayers is survived by three sons, Dr. Christopher Ayers and wife, Kate of Henrico, Matthew Ayers and wife, Kaitlin of Roanoke and Jordan Ayers of Fincastle; grandchildren, Maya Ann Ayers, Clara Grace Ayers, Asher Allen Ayers and a grandbaby on the way, Phillip Elias Ayers; two brothers, Emmett Melvin Ayers, III and wife, Ruth of Vinton and Steve Ayers and wife, Peggy of Clifton Forge; a sister, Teresa Ayers and Timmy Kern of Botetourt; a number of nieces and nephews; and his furry children, Juno and Pumpkin.
A memorial service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 9, 2021 at Living Well Church of Nazarene in Salem with Rev. Steve Parker officiating. The family will receive friends Monday from noon until time of service at the church.
The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Loving Funeral Home in Covington.
The family suggests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneral home1913.
