Dr. Carlos Ray Ayers

Dr. Carlos (Carl) R. Ayers of Charlottesville, VA, died peacefully after a short stay in the University of Virginia Hospital with Hospice Care on July 26, 2000. His death was the result of an accidental fall that occurred while he worked near his rose garden--a favorite place to be. He is survived by his much loved wife and team mate of 64 years, Mary Jo Atkins Ayers,. He leaves three beloved sons, Bill (Dee), Jim (Bobbie), and Steve (Tekla): and his adorned grandchildren Noah, Rachel, Emily, Andrew, and Kaia as well as his canine buddy Bella.

Born April 2, 1932, on a family farm near Oakvale, West Virginia. Carl, his parents, and his siblings worked hard to navigate the difficult times of the Great Depression and World War II. It was said, that they ate what they could grow and hunt. Carl made the best of the limited available educational opportunities, receiving his undergraduate degree from Lincoln Memorial University. His lifelong dream to become a doctor was realized when he graduated from the University of Virginia Medical School in 1958. After receiving his post graduate medical training Dr Ayers became a Research Fellow at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland and was commissioned at the rank of Captain in the U. S. Public Health Service. His next step was further clinical training in medicine at the University of Utah Hospital. Dr Ayers returned to the University of Virginia Medical Center as Chief Medical Resident and later became Professor of Medicine continuing his interest in cardiovascular research with and active clinical-practice in preventive cardiology. He was considered by his peers to be on the front line of Preventive Cardiology care. Prevention was was his goal in patient care.

Throughout his career he continued his cardiovascular research aimed at promoting heart health through the understanding and treatment of Blood Pressure and Cholesterol abnormalities. He inspired countless students, fellows, and physicians to use both scientific and clinical facts combined with understanding and kindness in patient care. He considered this to be the essence of good patient care and the art of teaching medicine. He was honored as a leader by medical students and his peers as well as the Medical School as demonstrated by his appointment to hold the Edward W and Betty Knight Scripps Professor of Internal Medicine (Preventive Cardiology) at the University of Virginia Medical School. He was also elected to membership in the UVA Raven and Alpha Omega Alpha Medical and numerous professional cardiovascular research and clinical societies.

As a Cardiologist, Dr Ayers worked at UVA for 40 years. Most notably, he developed a Cardiovascular Clinic designed to further the research and treatment of Cholesterol and Blood Pressure abnormalities. At this time in his career, his Medical Clinic improved and lengthened the lives of scores of patients, and brought to light the importance and effectiveness the practice of Preventive Medicine. Upon his retirement in 2010, he was named a Professor Emeritus of the University of Virginia. He continued to practice medicine for eight more years at the Charlottesville Free Clinic providing care to those in need.

Carl was devoted to his family and his wife, Mary Jo, a fellow UVA student, they met in 1958 Carol's Tearoom, a local gathering spot for students at the time. He was very pleased and proud of his family. His grace and generosity of spirit touched not only those close to him, but reached out to Charlottesville and UVA communities as well as the state of Virginia. Carl was an avid walker, seen daily walking to work or walking a Labrador Retriever. He enjoyed playing tennis with his buddies and fishing for trout in the Tye River.

The Ayers family is grateful to the staff of the UVA Hospital and the Hospice Unit for the kind and attentive care Carl received. Should you wish to honor the life and service of Dr. Carlos R. Ayers, in lieu flowers, the family would ask you to consider a donation in Carl's Memory to the Carlos R. and Mary Jo Ayers Scholarship Fund. A scholarship that Carlos and Mary Jo established for financial support of Students attending the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Donations should be directed to the University of Virginia Medical School Foundation P.O. Box 37963 Boone, Iowa 50037. Please indicate in the check memo the donation is in memory of Carlos R. Ayers MD, to be directed to the Carlos R. and Mary Jo Ayers Scholarship Fund, The Ayers family thanks you for your kindness.

A celebration of Carl's life will be held in the future at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 Rugby Road, Charlottesville, VA at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teaguefuneralhome.com for the Ayers family.