Bobby Ayers, age 79, of Forest City

Bobby Ayers, age 79, of Forest City, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2026.

Bobby was born December 12, 1946 in Rutherford County to the late Robert Frances Ayers, Sr. and Emma Lucille Gooden Ayers. He was a graduate of Chase High School. Bobby served two tours in the Vietnam War in the U.S. Army as a member of the 173rd Airborne Division and Battalion 503. He later worked for Timken and Regtrol. Bobby was a member of Campfield Memorial Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his wife of 17 years, Hazel Ayers; son, Doug Evans; siblings, DeWitt Ayers, Ruby Campbell, Robert Ayers, Ruth Ayers, Mary Ayers, Lois Ayers, Juanita Ayers and grandson, Matthew Suttles.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Christopher Ayers (Sonya) of Columbus, stepchildren, Tammy Melton of Forest City, Dean Blanton of Bostic, Dennis Evans (Sharon) of Bostic, Brenda Ramsey (Greg) of Ellenboro, Cathy Bennett (Jack) of Bostic; brother, Ray Ayers (Catherine) of Rutherfordton; 16 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be conducted at 3pm Saturday, November 7 at Campfield Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Nick King and Rev. Scott Huffman officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the church. Inurnment with military honors accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial donations suggested to the Disabled Veterans of America, help.dav.org

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.