Charles Thomas Ayres

Charles Thomas "Charlie" Ayres

July 15, 1941 – February 2, 2026

Edgewood, Kentucky - Charles Thomas "Charlie" Ayres, of Edgewood, Kentucky, passed away on February 2, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, Kentucky (ICU). Born on July 15, 1941, at home in Covington, Kentucky, Charlie lived a life filled with devotion to family, service to his country, and a passion for adventure.

Charlie attended Holmes High School and proudly served four years in the United States Navy. He was stationed aboard the USS Oriskany, serving out of the ports of San Francisco and San Diego. On July 23, 1966, he married the "only woman he ever loved," and together they built their family and life in Ft. Wright, Kentucky.

Following his military service, Charlie worked as a Machine Tool Operator and later as a Field Service Representative for Cincinnati Milacron, retiring in 1999. His career took him around the world, and he became known for the legendary stories he shared, including his extended assignment in South Korea during the 1988 Summer Olympics.

In his early years, Charlie developed a love of horses, working on farms so he could ride, and eventually nurturing a lifelong enjoyment of thoroughbred racing. He loved going to the track, placing a bet, and never turned down a friendly sports wager. His passion for life and for living it fully was unmistakable.

In the late 1980s, Charlie was "convinced" to purchase a boat and keep it on Lake Cumberland - a decision that became central to his life. Boating quickly grew into his greatest passion and a source of lasting family memories. His children and grandchildren grew up on the lake, and the friendships he made there became an extension of his family.

Charlie enjoyed a Bud Light, a bourbon with a tiny splash of Coke, and never missed a party. He loved his family deeply and, when not at the lake, could be found watching football with his kids and grandkids, vacationing in Gulf Shores, Alabama, singing karaoke, or relaxing on the back deck listening to his favorite music. And when they were apart, without fail, he always called the love of his life, Linda.

Charlie is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Linda (Gravett) Ayres, and his children:

Daughter: Jill (Ayres) Shepherd, spouse Scott Shepherd

• Granddaughter: Cassie Shepherd

• Great-grandsons: Twins Theo and Rome Trespalacios

• Granddaughter: Mandy (Shepherd) Kuykendall, spouse Hunter Kuykendall

• Great-grandchildren: Ella and Calvin Kuykendall

Daughter: Laurie (Ayres) DeBolt, spouse Allen DeBolt

• Step-granddaughter: Brittany (DeBolt) Houge, spouse Wyatt Houge

• Great-grandchild: Wyatt Houge

• Step-Grandson: Zach DeBolt

• Great-grandchildren: Braelynn and Jaxen DeBolt

Son: Matt Ayres, spouse Dr. Stacey (Meimann) Ayres

• Grandson: Dr. Coire Ayres

• Granddaughter: Emmy Ayres

Charlie was preceded in death by his father Cecil Ayres Sr., mother Alice (Wallace) Ayres, brothers Cecil "Junior" Ayres and Joseph Ayres, and sisters Anna Sue (Ayres) Gunkel, Garnetta Mae (Ayres) Klass, and Patricia "Maudie" (Ayres) Wilson.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to bloodcancerunited.org or to a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 12:00 Pm to 2:00 Pm at Don Catchen II Allison & Rose Funeral Home, 5645 Taylor Mill Rd. Taylor Mill, Ky. 41015 Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 Pm. Interment will be at Highland Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, Ky.