John Stanley Ayers

Mr. John Stanley Ayers, 76, a native of Elberton, Georgia, passed away Friday, May 17, 2019 at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital.Stan was the husband of Sharon Eavenson Ayers, having celebrated over 53 years of marriage together.Stan was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Louise Hopkins Ayers, and a brother, Wendell Ayers. Stan grew up in Elberton, graduating from Elbert County High School in 1960.He then went on to college at his beloved Clemson University and played baseball there from 1960-1964.To say Stan loved his “Clemson Tigers” would be an understatement. Stan was always actively involved in community youth activities while his children were growing up.He taught school and served in various coaching capacities as well. Stan worked as a Unit Director with Georgia’s Department of Juvenile Justice. After retirement, he enjoyed working at Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course at Lake Russell. While Stan found great enjoyment in many areas of life, his greatest love was spending time with his family, and of most recent, the interests and activities of his grandchildren. Stan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Elberton, and served there through the years as Sunday School teacher and deacon, and was a member of The Eckler Sunday School Class. In addition to his wife, Sharon, Stan is survived by his son: Tim Ayers and his wife, Heidi, of Fernandina Beach, FL; and his daughter: Natalie Hester and her husband, Chris, of Greenville, SC.He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Gracen and Andrew Ayers, and Olivia Pate; his step-granddaughter, Madeline Hester; his brother, Keith Ayers of Snellville, GA; and numerous other relatives. A service to celebrate Stan’s life was held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in First Baptist Church of Elberton, with Rev. Gary Purvis and Rev. David Moore officiating. Interment followed in Elmhurst Cemetery with Jim Roberts, Richey Eckler, Larry Smith, Phil Denny, Dick Sargent, Pete Ayoub and Tommy Lyon serving as pallbearers. A time of visitation was held on Monday evening at Hicks Funeral Home, and again on Tuesday at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall just prior to the service. Flowers were graciously accepted, and memorial contributions may be made to The First Baptist Church Ramp Ministry, 132 Heard St., Elberton, GA 30635.