Edward Francis "Ed" Ayers

Ridgeley, WV-
Edward Francis "Eddie" Ayers, 82, passed away Saturday, February 10th. at home, with his loving wife, Nancy, by his side, after a courageous year long battle with cancer.
Born October 30, 1941 in Cumberland, MD, to the late Ruth Lillian (Hansrote) and Lewis Robert Ayers, Sr., Eddie was the last member of his immediate family. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Nina Lafayee "Tootie" (Parker) Ayers; brothers Lewis Robert Ayers, Jr. and John Charles Ayers; sister Catherine Jean (Ayers) Fey Shelley; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Eunice Parker; beloved uncle, James T. "Bus" Parker, Sr., aunt, Nina (Burnworth) Parker; brothers-in-law, Timothy Royce Parker and Harold Douglas Parker; nephew, Lewis Robert Ayers, III; and cousins, Gary Parker and Maxx Parker.
Eddie was a 1960 graduate of Fort Hill High School and remained an avid fan all his life. He became a Certified Welder right out of high school. He was last employed and retired from Western Correctional Institution, where he was a welder. He taught welding classes to the inmates who respected him and called Eddie "Pap."
He had also worked for Kelly-Springfield Tire Company, P.P.G., City of Cumberland, Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and Rubbermaid Corporation Manufacturing Plant (Winchester, VA).
Eddie was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where he served on the Council and Property Management Committee. His knowledge of local contractors enabled him to apply his skills to maintaining the property and grounds. He was involved in many activities of the church supporting less fortunate members of the community. He married Nancy, also a member of St. Paul's, in June, 2020. Together they ministered to the sick and needy, through visits and delivering goody bags to those who were confined to their homes, often giving communion to those they visited.
Eddie had a close-knit family with Nina, then Nancy as well. He loved to travel the United States. A European six country tour in 2014 was a once in a lifetime experience. He and Nancy loved trips to Myrtle Beach, Tennessee, and Niagara Falls. They enjoyed reunions of both families.
Eddie dearly loved and cherished the "kids" in his family, always there for them at a moment's notice. He loved Christmas, being with family-wore his "Santa" hat every year. Years ago, he crafted a Santa that popped up and down in his chimney, powered by a vacuum motor. He would go anywhere and do anything for his "kids," bringing him the greatest joy in his life.
Eddie is survived by his wife, Nancy (Ackerman) Lohr Ayers; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Linda (Parker) Moore, Marsha Ayers, Mary Frances Ayers, Rose and Duke Cessna, Anna and Calvin Flanagan, Bonnie and Floyd Ackerman, Grayson Ackerman, Buck Ackerman, Lorrie Ackerman, and Birdie Wolford; an aunt, Mrs. Iona Parker; nieces, nephews, great niece and great nephews, Andra and Andrew Limbaugh, and children Abby and Owen, Wendy and David Ruberg, and daughter Palmer, Kelsey and Chris Gallo, daughters Juliana and Logan; Cassey Hart, Tammy Fey, Johnny and Susan Ayers, Freddy Fey, and Henri Fey; cousins, Tom and Dianne Parker, daughter Katie and husband Phil Bookhamer, Phil and Daria Parker, daughter Leslie and husband Tim Yerace, Kristi and Steve Hronas, children Emma and Nathan, and Robin Parker and son Brett.
Eddie's absence from our lives will be deeply felt by family and friends for a long, long time. We loved him dearly; He gave us immeasurable love and devotion. He is in the arms of Jesus Christ, right where he knew he would be... in God's glory. A joyous reunion is happening now.
Friends will be received at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Cumberland, on Thursday from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM, and Friday 10-11 AM. The funeral service will follow at 11 AM in the church with The Rev. Ryan Viands and The Rev. Dr. Marsha Bell, officiating.
Entombment will be in Sunset Memorial Park.
Serving as pallbearers will be Johnny, Cameron, Freddy, Duke, Chris, Andrew, and Dave.
Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 15 N. Smallwood Street, Cumberland, MD 21502 or to the American Cancer Society, 4405 Cox Road, Suite 110, Glen Allen, VA 23060.