Edward "Ed" Charles Ayers

Ed, who was born on October 24, 1945, in Washington, DC, to Edward Charles Ayers and Georgia Grace Ayers, was known for his silent but commanding presence, precisely-timed one-liners, and devotion to God and family. He married Rebecca Louise Spivey of Kinston, NC, on June 14, 1980. Together, they raised Edward C. Ayers III and Becca Jane (Ayers) Cody. Ed was a devoted and loving father to his eldest daughters Amelia Ayers and Sarah (Ayers) Semon. Over the last seven years, Ed proudly earned the name “Da” given to him by Penelope Grace, the eldest of his five grandchildren, and would willingly scoop up the youngest for snuggles and head bumps.

Early in his life, Ed began developing debate and negotiation skills which served him well throughout his career. He was a high school debate champion at T.R. Robinson High School in Tampa, Florida (Class of ‘63). He would later hone these skills while earning his post-secondary degrees (B.S. George Washington University, 1975; MBA University of South Florida, 1983).

In 1965, Ed joined Honeywell as a stock clerk and remained with them for 31 years, retiring as a Vice President. At Honeywell, Ed contributed to the development of computing, internet, satellite, and spacecraft technologies and led marketing, ethics, and contract negotiation teams. From 1985 to 1988, Ed lived in Belgium working for Honeywell’s European division. He and his family enjoyed traveling Europe, visiting museums, hosting family and friends, and building life-long relationships.

Honeywell brought Ed and his family to Minneapolis, MN, in 1988. In Bambi-land (as Ed cheekily called it), he captained the Bridge Club, hosted countless dinners, drank fine wine, and willingly used his deep, honeyed voice to play the role of God in the Church plays. Through countless parties and the raising of kids, the “Minnesota Crowd” quickly became Ed and Becky’s lifelong friends.

After retiring from Honeywell, the Ayers family moved to California where Ed joined Bechtel. Three years later, he joined Deloitte Consulting and retired for good as a Senior Partner specializing in Quality and Risk Management after 14 years. Ed was a thoughtful leader throughout his career, inspiring and generously mentoring others wherever he worked.

Ed and Becky enjoyed living in Raleigh, NC, where they spent the last 22 years with their family and friends, golfing, traveling, and reading. Ed loved supporting soldiers and their families as President of the West Point Parents Club of North Carolina. Like his father, Ed loved aeronautics, classic cars, and military history and often shared his knowledge with his children and grandchildren, of whom he was so proud.

Ed is remembered for his quick wit, brilliant intellect, calm and kind demeanor, and extensive knowledge of art, culture, politics, and business. He felt deeply and instilled in others a strong sense of duty, honor and dignity that will live on. He will be missed every day and remains a treasured presence in the hearts of his family and friends.

Ed is preceded in death by his father, Edward C. Ayers, and his mother, Georgia Grace Ayers. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rebecca Louise Ayers; son, Edward Charles Ayers III and wife Devany and their children Charles and Benjamin; daughter, Rebecca Jane Cody and husband Todd and their children Penelope, James, and Anna Louise; daughter, Sarah Russell Semon and husband Mark Semon; and daughter, Amelia Russell Ayers; sister, Pat and husband Harry Dunlap (deceased) and her children; brother, Steve and wife Kathleen and his children; and sister, Candace Ayers.

A funeral service will be held at Christ Church, 120 E. Edenton St., Raleigh, NC on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow at North Ridge Country Club.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to https://dementianc.org/ or https://www.teamrwb.org/ because of Ed’s love of our nation’s soldiers.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.