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Forrest Ayers Obituary
Forrest was a native of Hartwell, but had made Athens his home since 1984 after marrying Athens native, Catherine Roling. He was the son of the late Hoyt and Elizabeth Ayers of Hartwell and was preceded in death by his sisters, Nannie Lou Sanders and Emma Dean DeVito. Forrest is survived by his devoted wife, Catherine and one sister, Evia Haines of Stillwater, Okla.
He was the loving father of Hugh F. Ayers and Thea Clary of Augusta and Robert T. Ayers of Hull. He was also a wonderful father to Lisa Barrett of Statham, Leslie (Frank) Jones, Bryan Barrett of Arnoldsville and Lynn (Edward) Walker of Cartersville. His pride and joy were his 21 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and his loyal pet, Scotty.
Forrest retired after 34 years as a district manager with Liberty National Insurance Company. As a salesman, he never met a stranger. He was a member of Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge #22 of Athens, the Shriners and East Athens Baptist Church. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.
In the words of his friends, Forrest was a beautiful person. He brought love and laughter to all those who had the privilege of knowing him. An inspiration to those whose lives he touched, Forrest will be honored at a memorial service scheduled for Saturday, September 13 at 2:30 p.m. at East Athens Baptist Church. The Reverends Bob Nash and Don Leaptrott will officiate. Pallbearers include Vernon Ray, Bryan Barrett, Matthew LoParco, Frank Jones, Edward Walker, Kenneth Roling, Robby Schlichting and Jerry Spade. Honorary pallbearers are his fellow drivers from the Toyota and Georgia Square car dealerships.
Donations in Forrest's memory can be made to the East Athens Baptist Church building fund, 4325 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605 and the Shriners Burn Hospital, YAARAB Shrine, 400 Ponce DeLeon Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
Lord & Stephens, EAST, is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Forrest Ayers
Jackie Harrington
September 16, 2008
Dear Catherine, I was so sorry to hear about Forrest. You two will always have a special place in my heart. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Bill and Margie Blailock
September 13, 2008
Dear Catherine and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Forrest's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
May memories comfort you.
With sincere Sympathy in your loss.
Your friends,
Bill and Margie Blailock
Steve Middlebrooks
September 13, 2008
My prayers and the prayers of our entire staff(Heyward Allen Toyota) are with each of you. Forrest was ALWAYS a ray of sunshine to us. I will treasure the times we spoke of our faith & how blessed we were to be followers of Christ. He will be missed by all of us.
David Barclay
September 12, 2008
Catherine Ayers and family, Our time knowing you has been so short, since joining East Athens Baptist Church, but the time was well spent getting to know Forrest and the love he showed for his church and family. He is no doubt with Jesus right now and knowing what is waiting for us when we join him at the throne of God.
Jennifer Minor
September 12, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Debra McElroy
September 12, 2008
Catherine, Lisa, Leslie, Bryan and Lynn - Forrest was truly a good man. He always had a story tell and could make you laugh. I'm glad he found his way into our family. He will be missed - My thoughts and prayers are with - Love Debra
Diane Barber
September 12, 2008
Dear Catherine,
You and your family are in my prayers. May God give you comfort at this time of sorrow.
Jackie Scarborough, Class of '58
September 12, 2008
Dear Catherine,
I was so sad to read today that your husband had passed away. I did not know him personally, but know he will be sorely missed by all his family and friends. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
In sympathy & friendship,
Paula and David Whitmire
September 12, 2008
Our prayers are with you Leslie and your family.
He was such a good person and left a legacy for his family.
Thea Clary
September 12, 2008
Oh, Daddy...
Sandy Cox
September 12, 2008
Thea, Robert, Hugh and Family...I first met your Father in the late 60's. He and my ex-husband(Willard Thomas) worked together at Liberty National. We used to have all night marathons playing cards..There was a group of us that played together. You guys used to come to my house all the time. You weren't very old. Thea spent the night with me the night before I went to the hopsital to have my daughter Dana. Your father was a very special person. I have so many memories of the good times we all had. I sometimes sit and laugh as I remember what fun we had doing so many things.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy (Thomas) Cox
joe coleman
September 11, 2008
Forrest was a heck of a man and I already miss his smile and his outlook on the world around him.I work at a dealership here in town and from time to time we would send him to pick up cars.You could always count on him to get the job done right each and every time. I thought of him today as I caught myself about to dial his cell phone. I know he is at peace now in a much better place and we will meet again someday. I only regret I didnt get to speak to him one more time and take a minute to tell him how much richer I am for being able to call him a friend and tell him just how much I loved him. I look forward to the day I can
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes East Chapel
September 12, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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