Richard Willis Ayers

Richard W. Ayers, known to many as Dick, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2016 in his Matthews, North Carolina home. He was the son of Julius and Helen Ayers. He was born March 3, 1936 at Newton Hospital in Newton, NJ. He was predeceased by sister"s Janet and Doris and brother Frank. He was raised in Newton in beautiful Sussex County, NJ. As a child, Dick survived polio and was in bed for many months. He attended Newton High School, was Vice President of his graduating class and excelled on both the football and basketball teams. Dick attended Brown University but returned home when his father fell ill. He graduated from Fairleigh Dickenson and his first job was with Westinghouse Electric where he was a Systems Analyst. After many years as an analyst, Dick followed his passion and began working for Morristown BMW as their Financial Manager. After he retired from BMW, he happily helped his wife with her real estate business for many years. Dick met his wife, Mary Ellis of River Forest, IL and they were married in October of 1964 at the Presbyterian Church in Sparta, NJ. They lived in Morristown, NJ for a few years and then moved to Randolph in 1968. They were blessed with 2 children: a daughter, Whitney of Waxhaw, NC and her husband Matthew Oswald and their children Kaleigh, Madison and Lindsay; and a son, Treven and his wife Julie Mango of Charlotte, NC and their son Ryan. He was deeply involved in his children"s lives over the years in Randolph. He was a soccer coach, mentor and proud supporter of the local community theatre. In 2006 he and his wife followed their children down to Charlotte, NC. Dick was a member of the Matthews United Methodist Church in Matthews where he was very active. He was an avid, lifelong NY Giants football fan. He was a voracious reader, bird watcher and backyard squirrel saboteur. Dick was a quiet, kind man who dearly loved his wife, children and grandchildren. His spirit will live forever in our hearts. As per Dick's request there will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, August 14th at Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S. Trade St., Matthews, NC beginning at 3:00 pm with continued Fellowship in the Gathering Hall immediately following the service. Please consider donations in his name to the Matthews Help Center, P O Box91, Matthews, NC 28106 or to the Matthews United Methodist Church. Tribute Cremation Society is serving the Ayers family. Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.tributecremationsociety.com 8/14/2016 03:00 PM Memorial Matthews United Methodist Church 801 S. Trade St. Matthews NC 28105