Mr. Curtis W. "Curt" Ayers, age 87, of 55 Kelsey Dr., Hartwell, died Friday, November 14 at Athens Regional Medical Center.

Born on November 7, 1921 in Hart Co. GA, he was the son of the late Fred Ayers and Maymer Robertson Ayers.Mr. Ayers was retired from BASF of Anderson, member of the Hartwell First Baptist Church, Doc Adams Sunday School Class and FCS.Mr. Ayers was also a member of the Hartwell American Legion Post 109 for 62 years and a WWII US Navy veteran, serving in the Pacific Theater.He was a Gunner's Mate on a LST in the Battle of Leyte Bay and was credited with shooting down two Japanese Zero's.

Survivors include his wife: Billie Faye Hilley Ayers of the home; a son: Terrell Curtis "Terry" Ayers of San Antonio TX; a daughter: Gail A. Milford White and her husband C G "Snip" White Jr. of Hartwell; a brother: Rollin Ayers of Snellville; four sisters: Mary Jo Bowen of Bowman, Peggy Smith of Edgefield SC, Jackie Hilley of Cartersville GA and Betty Seymour of Hartwell; four grandchildren: Claire M. Arnold, Amy M. McNab, John Ayers and Theresa Ayers; six great-grandchildren: Billy McNab, Jasper Curtis "J C" McNab, Andy McNab, Abigail Arnold, Jacob Ayers and Ethan Ayers.Mr. Ayers was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law: Billy Milford; a brother: Edward Ayers and a sister: Patsy Sanford.

Funeral services will be Monday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hartwell First Baptist Church with Dr. Steve Williams and Rev. Carter Tucker officiating.Burial will in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park. The body will be placed in the church at 1:30 p.m. Monday.

The body is at the Strickland Funeral Home ~ Hartwell Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday night.The family is the home of his daughter and son-in-law: Gail and Snip White, 3806 Anderson Hwy, Hartwell.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartwell First Baptist Church Sanctuary Restoration Fund, 81 E. Howell St., Hartwell GA30643