Wednesday, May 31, 2023 10:33 am

Wilburn Ayers, age 78, of Caroleen, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Wilburn was born August 16, 1944 in Johnson City, TN to the late Oscar Vernal Ayers, Sr. and Rosie Marie Rice Ayers. He was a truck driver most of his life, having worked most recently for Pryway Trucking in Shelby. He was a member of Race Path Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Charlotte Ayers Cannon; granddaughter, Zoey Bailey and three brothers, Harold Gene Ayers, Oscar Vernal Ayers, Jr. and Gary Ayers.

Those left to cherish fond memories include his wife of 29 years, Janice Martin Ayers; children, Jackie Ayers Kelly (Michael) of Largo, FL, Bobby Eugene Ayers (Christi) of Henrietta, Penny Ayers Webb (Jerry) of Sandy Mush, Barbara Ayers Shytle (Craig) of Henrietta, Sandy Bailey (John Trotter) of Mooresboro, Gloria Morris (Claude) of Eatonton, GA and Tommy Bailey (Evie) of Mooresboro; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, three sisters, Karen Walker of Johnson City, TN, Linda Whitson of Jonesboro, TN, Renea Whitson of Jonesboro, TN and brothers, Lloyd Ayers (Shirley) of Star, SC and Johnny Ayers (Jean) of Johnson City, TN.

The funeral service was held May 30 at Race Path Baptist Church with Rev.Roger Laws, Bro. Craig Ledford and Rev. Randall Cooper officiating.

Memorial donations requested to Race Path Baptist Church, 1171 Race Path Church Rd., Ellenboro, NC 28040.

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

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.