Mr. Willis Edward Ayres III's Obituary
Willis Edward Ayres, III went to be with the Lord October 16, 2021. He was born 1953 to the late Willis Edward Ayres, Jr. and Evelyn Thompson
Willis was a fifth generation Memphian who graduated from Memphis University School. In 1977 graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Tech University. Willis founded Ayres Auto Parts and ultimately retired from the FedEx IT department.
Willis, fondly known to the family as Buster, was the founding Scout Master of Troop 81 at Independent Presbyterian Church where his sons rose to the rank of Eagle Scout. He enjoyed camping, including a major Scout trip in Canada.
Willis was a referee, officiating middle school and high school football and basketball games for the TSSAA. He took pride in knowing the rules and applying those rules on the athletic fields and in gymnasia.
Other than his parents he was also preceded in death by a daughter Hannah Catherine Ayres.
Willis is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn; daughter
Sarah Jane, sons Morgan and Cooper (Liz) Ayres; his sisters,
Beth (Bill) Campbell and Ann (Charlie) Christ; stepdaughter, Kendall Gibson and stepson, Taylor Gibson; and several nieces and nephews.
Willis courageously battled Parkinson’s disease, finishing the race set before him.
A Memorial Service will be held at Harvest Church, 3645 Forest Hill-Irene Road, Germantown on Saturday, October 23 at 12:00 noon. Visitation at 11:00 a.m. Until the time of the service at 12:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Harvest Church, Germantown.
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