The Honorable Juan C. Ayala

1944 - 2025

Judge Juan Christy Ayala, age 80, of Savannah Georgia, died on Friday, June 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving children and family members.

He was born on September 25,1944, at Marianna Army Airfield in Marianna, Florida and was the eldest child of the late Cristobal and Doris Ayala. Juan attended Nativity of Our Lord School and Benedictine Military School, class of 1962.

As an apprentice to his father in 1962, Juan became a licensed master barber and in 1968 he graduated with a B.A. degree in History from Armstrong State College.

In 1968, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a military intelligence officer in the 2nd Armored Division as well as the 1st Calvary Division. He left active duty as the commanding officer of the 373rd Army Security Agency Company.

After his military service, he was employed at the Chatham County Juvenile Court, attended John Marshall Law School and graduated with a Juris Doctor (JD) in 1975. Thereafter, Juan was offered and accepted a judgeship and remained in that position for the next twenty-seven years.

Judge Ayala always had a passion for teaching and began his teaching career in the Criminal Justice Department at Armstrong State in 1977. He earned his M.Ed. in History Education at Armstrong in 1981. He would go on during the next twenty-five years to instruct students at several local colleges, universities, and academies. He tremendously valued his career as a professor and jurist within his local community.

Juan was affiliated with numerous professional, charitable, and military associations. His contribution to these causes were lifelong and dedicated. He was a member of the Roman Catholic faith and was a member of several of Savannah's Catholic churches during his life.

After retirement, he especially enjoyed writing, traveling, reading, and spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his can-do approach to life and his charismatic and dynamic personality. He will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, John Ayala; his sister, Theresa Lucas (Billy); and his brothers, Dennis (Kathy) and Anthony Ayala.

Surviving, is the mother of his children, Sheila Barton Ayala; and his three daughters, Christina Boyette (Mitchell) of Richmond Hill, Holly Ayala of Savannah and Cassie Ledoux (Charley) of Mount Pleasant, SC.

He also leaves four beloved grandchildren, Aiden and Laila Boyette, and Gabby and Caleb Ledoux; his siblings, Carmen McIntyre (Donny (late)), Tommy Ayala (Linda), Danny Ayala (Linda), Linda Howard (Elton), Joey Ayala (Lori), Cindy Carter (Mark), Richard Ayala (Karen), Michael Ayala (Jennifer) and Lorie Waters. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Visitation will be held 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow the visitation at 1:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest you consider a donation in Judge Ayala's memory to Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA 31406 or St. Vincent's Academy, 207 E. Liberty Street, Savannah, GA 31401.