Bobby Everett Ayers, age 81, of Summertown, Tennessee died Sunday morning, November 10, 2013 at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, TN. Bobby was born July 20, 1932 in rural Lauderdale County, Alabama. At the age of 2, he moved to Lawrence County, Tennessee where he attended school and assisted with work on the family farm. A bright and highly motivated young man, he graduated from Summertown High School at the age of 15. He took much pride in his own farming skills peddling vegetables until he could purchase property for himself raising cotton, tobacco, corn, and a large vegetable garden. He worked in Quality Control at Murray Ohio Mfg. where he retired after 40 years. Farming remained his love and he delighted in giving away his produce through the years. It was his habit to drive to the homes of his children, friends, and even offices of doctors whom he loved, to deliver a bag of tomatoes or a mess of green beans.
Through the years the tall, lean man became a short, stooped man – always wearing a cap – and easily recognized by all as he slowly drove along streets and country roads of Lawrence and Maury Counties. His easy smile and generous spirit will be missed.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall Patrick and Mary Tennessee Dodd Ayers; and a brother, J.P. Ayers.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Thelma Sue Smith Ayers of Summertown, four daughters, Janice Smith of Cullman, Alabama, Linda (Danny) Lasater of Columbia, Alice (Randy) Pope of Summertown, April (Tim) McCormack of Columbia; a sister, Mirl Ayers Smith of Lawrenceburg; six grandchildren, David Smith of Summertown, Deena McClendon of Cullman, Alabama, Julie Bergman of Miami, Florida, Seth Lasater of Spring Hill, Courtney Nutt of Waynesboro, and Harley Pope of Summertown; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 1:00 PM Wednesday, November 13, 2013, with Ricky Glass and Brian Gregory officiating. Interment will follow at Brace Cemetery in Lawrence County, TN. Family suggests memorials be made to Brace Cemetery or the American Lung Association.
