Joseph "Joe" Ayers

Joseph “Joe” Elwood Ayers, 84, of Girdletree, Md. passed away Friday, April 20, 2018 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury.

He was born August 2, 1933 in Collierstown, (Rockbridge County), Va., a son of the late Susie (Miller) and Wilmer Marion Ayers.

Joe was a U.S. Army Veteran having served in the Korean War. Returning to U.S. soil, he began working as a crane operator at Bethlehem Steel in Sparrow’s Point Md., retiring after 35 years. Joe enjoyed traveling the country with his favorite nephew, Dave. He will be remembered as an all-around good person, and the one who would “sneak out” of family gatherings and parties because he didn’t like “goodbyes.” Joe lived life following the motto “There ain’t no easy way.”

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers Willie, Kelly and Randy; four sisters Clair, Cora, Lolita and Isabelle.

He is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Joseph Nicholas and Doris Ayers of Atlanta, Ga. and Joseph “JR” Elwood Ayers Jr., of New Albany, In.; grandson Joseph Nicholas Ayers Jr., Charlotte Hall; his baby sister, Peggy Foltz of Fort Howard; special nephew, David Judd of Fort Howard; long-time companion, Millie Jones of Girdletree; as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 25, 2018 in Monterey Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial donations be sent to the Girdletree Volunteer Fire Co., 2739 Snow Hill Rd, Girdletree, Md. 21829.

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