Donald "Donnie" Patrick Ayres

Funeral Services to celebrate Donnie's life will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, August 25, 2026 in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home with Pastor David Sutphin officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 2:00 PM at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Donnie was born in Maryland on February 11, 1966 to John David Ayres and Patricia Sullivan Ayres-Brown.

He worked as a truck driver, but his passion was as a firefighter with Northside Fire Department, and previously with the Town of Clayton Fire Department. In the fire department, he served as Fire fighter. Donnie also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, camping, NASCAR races, watching any kind of sports, and being with family and friends. You could always fine him with a big bowl of chocolate ice cream or with a handful of Peanut M&M’s.

He was preceded in death by his step-father, James Brown; maternal grandparents, Jack & Ada Sullivan; and paternal grandparents, David & Melinda Ayres.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kelsie & Cody Eastman; grandchildren, Colton and Hudson; brothers David (Renee), and Dennis (Patty); nephew, Ryan; and niece, Nicole; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Donnie's memory to: The North Carolina Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation at www.ncfff.org.

McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, North Carolina is honored to be assisting the family.