Richard Dale Ayers, Sr.

Richard Dale Ayers, Sr., 75 of Centralia, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2015 at his home. Mr. Ayers was born September 17, 1939 in Hickman, Kentucky, son of Norman Ayers and Mertle (Yates) Ayers. He married Joyce Busby on July 21, 1962 in Union City, Tennessee and she survives in Centralia. In addition to his wife of 52 years, he is also survived by a son, Richard Ayers, Jr. and wife Barbara of Sandoval; three daughters: Lisa Gardner and husband Peter of Wasilla, Alaska, Tiffany Emrick and husband Matthew of Richview, and Mona Becker and husband Dave of Irvington; ten grandchildren: Jared Kehn, Brook Kehn, Brandon Kehn, Kourtney Chalke, Kaitlyn Chalke, Casey Ayers, Hayli Emrick, Josh Wiese, Jessie Wiese, and Tiffany Shelton; 8 great-grandchildren: Isabella Hedgecock, Sabrinah Chalke, Kinnley Frieman, Avah Kehn, Julie Scott, Lucas Scott, Autumn Wiese, and Alexis Wiese; a brother, H.L. Williamson and wife Billie Jean of Hickman, Kentucky; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Morrison Williamson, Swayne Ayers and Jerry Ayers, and a sister, Clara Helton. Mr. Ayers served in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed playing golf, traveling, and bird watching in his later years. He was an avid UK Wildcat Fan. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends. Funeral Services for Richard Dale Ayers, Sr. will be held on Monday, April 27, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Carlton Binkley officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Military Honors will be accorded at the gravesite by the American Legion Post 446 and V.F.W. Post 2055. Visitation will be held Sunday evening from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home and on Monday morning at the funeral home from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the donor’s choice and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, which is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com

Richard Dale Ayers, Sr.

September 17, 1939 - April 23, 2015