Thomas “Tommy” Odell Ayers of Altha, Florida passed away on January 3, 2024 at the age of 76. Tommy was born on December 7, 1947 in Altha, FL to George Ray and Louise Ayers. He graduated from Altha Public School in 1965 and married his high school-sweetheart, Connie Mears, in 1967. After graduating from Chipola College, Tommy was drafted in the United States Army in 1968. By graduating in the top two of his Basic Training class, he was selected for advanced training in communications. He was then assigned to the Army Security Agency and served in Korea during the Vietnam Conflict. He was honorably discharged on January 1, 1974. He returned home, attended Florida State University, and then began a career in the fire protection system industry, working in installation, design, and inspection. He was an outdoorsman; enjoying hiking, camping, and hunting over the years. He could be found playing golf, woodworking, and spending time with his family. Above all, he loved his family and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was an active member of Sunny Hill Pentecostal Holiness Church. He is preceded in death by father George Ray Ayers, mother Louise Braxton Ayers, brother Lowell Edward Ayers, and niece Penny Kay Ayers. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Connie Mears Ayers, daughters Lunden Ayers Roberts (Jimmy) and Shanda Ayers O’Bryan (Randy), grandchildren Kasey Roberts, Thomas Jesse Roberts (Dakota), Morgan Roberts Morris (Alex), Sawyer Ayers O’Bryan, and Addison Grace O’Bryan, brother in law Reece Mears (Della) and brother in law Terry Mears, along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. A memorial service will take place Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. CST at Sunny Hill PH Church, 19352 CR 274, Altha, FL with Reverend Sonny Coburn officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. CST. Memorialization will be by cremation. All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.
