James Walter “Jay” Ayers age 76 of LaFollette, passed away on Monday, December 7,2020 at the Tennova Turkey Creek Medical Center of Knoxville. He was born on January 31, 1944 in Jacksboro to the late James Noah and Pauline (Hood) Ayers. Jay was a loving husband for over 50 years, proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather that enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved working outdoors, especially gardening and yard work. Jay was a United States Army veteran, who proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ayers and his brother, Ray Ayers.

Jay is survived by his daughter, Kimberly (Ayers) Duncan and husband, Wesley of Roan Mountain, Tennessee; his son, Pastor Tony Ayers and wife, Leisa of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee; brothers, John Ayers and wife, Charlotte of LaFollette, Arnold Ayers and wife, Rita of Clinton, and Danny Ayers and wife, Lois of Jacksboro; sisters, Sandra Johnson and husband, Dallas of Jacksboro and Darlene Ayers of Jacksboro; five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren with two more on the way, several nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family of Jay Ayers will receive friends on Thursday, December 10, 2020 in the chapel of Martin Wilson Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with his funeral to follow at 7:00 P.M. with his son Pastor Tony Ayers and his son-in-law Pastor Wesley Duncan officiating. Family and friends will meet at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 11, 2020 at Powell Valley Cemetery for his interment and military honors by the Campbell County Honor Guard.

The family has entrusted the care of James Walter “Jay” Ayers to Martin Wilson Funeral Home “Where Families Matter Most”

Jay’s guest book may be viewed at www.martinwilsonfuneralhome.com