Bobby Joe Ayers
June 25, 1940 ~ September 24, 2025
Born in: Nash County, North Carolina
Resided in: Nash County, North Carolina
ROCKY MOUNT – Bobby Joe Ayers, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Born in Nash County, NC on June 25, 1940, he was the son of the late Joseph Hilliard Ayers and Patty Barnes Ayers. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Gail Walker Ayers.
Bobby’s early life was spent helping his mother and father after his father returned from WWII. He looked out for his younger sisters, maintaining this closeness with his sisters throughout his life. Bobby attended Rocky Mount High (Blackbirds) where he played varsity football and basketball, and it was there that he and Gail met and became high school sweethearts. It was also at this time he and Gail developed a tight knit group of friends that they would enjoy and maintain throughout their lives. After high school, Bobby attended The Apprentice School in Newport News, VA and later attended Atlantic Christian College until he and Gail married on April 21st, 1962. Bobby spent a good deal of his professional life in the furniture and lumber industry, working his way into management of Caro-Craft, and later with different wholesale lumber companies and lastly with Brambles Rental Equipment. Bobby was a man of many talents. From building furniture and fixing anything and everything, to later developing a passion for painting and writing. Later in life, Bobby published a diverse range of works, including the semi-autobiographical novel “Oaths Taken,” ghost stories, and poetry. Remarkably, his final book was completed just months before his passing. His storytelling was always enjoyed by his children, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. For Bobby, family came first, particularly when it came to his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. He rarely missed school, athletic or band events, and was available to practice with or help his children in their individual endeavors. It was his guidance, his contagious laugh, his kindness, his playfulness, beaming smile, big blue eyes, and especially his unconditional love that will be so greatly missed by his family.
Bobby is survived by his daughter, Ashley Huffstetler (Brian); his sons, Michael Ayers and David Ayers (Elizabeth); his grandchildren, Joshua Huffstetler, Zachary Huffstetler (Haylie), Benjamin Huffstetler (Sammie), Aaron Huffstetler, Noah Heldreth and Grayson Heldreth (Allison); his great- grandchildren, Finley Huffstetler and Griffin Huffstetler; his sisters, Patsy Hanford (Mark), Mary Jane Lucas (Henry) and Betsy A. Congleton; as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to say a special thanks to Amedisys Hospice for their loving care and support.
A Special Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Services
Special Gathering: Saturday, November 1, 2025 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC United States
27804
(252) 451-8800
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Thoughts abound over the loss of your Dad. Your parents were so special to each of us and we cherish the memories. David, we especially remember those days when you and our Adam were the best of friends. We share your sorrow and send our love and prayers, Alice and Blair Harrold