Born Aug. 10, 1959, in Rockbridge County, he was the son of the late Nelvin and Ollie Ayers.

Surviving is his wife of 43 years, Dianne Ayers; sons Derrick Ayers and wife Jessica, and Darren Ayers and fiancé Kristi Walker; stepdaughter Sherry Helmick and husband Kevin; grandchildren Tristan Ayers (Kyle Floyd) and Samuel Ayers, Daylen Ayers, and Logan and Ashlyn Long, and many beloved friends.

Dennis was well known for his impeccable drywall skills. Many years he spent doing drywall work for area contractors. He took great pride in his work and was called one of the best in the business. Even after he retired, he would still receive phone calls wanting his services.

Dennis was a huge Dale Earnhardt Sr. fan. He loved watching NASCAR and racing in general. He loved racing so much that he and Derrick decided to build a racecar. For several years many late nights were spent in the garage working on racecars and motors just to spend a Saturday night racing on dirt at Natural Bridge Speedway.

He was an outdoorsman. In the fall, you would find him, Dianne and Darren heading out to the woods to go sit in their tree stands, sometimes all day, waiting for the perfect buck or bear to come along. When the weather started to warm up, Dennis would trade in his hunting gear for his fishing gear. He and Sherry would leave early in the morning and stay gone all day bass fishing. It didn’t matter if they caught two fish or 10, he enjoyed having a reel in his hands.

Smith Mountain Lake was his home for many weekends during the summer. He loved being by the water and taking boat rides with friends. Later in life Dennis picked up the game of golf. He and Dianne, along with their good friends Mark and Sandy, would spend the day out on the course. He would return home and go over each hole and shot with Derrick and Darren.

Dennis loved life and his family. Most of all, he loved his grandkids.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Sept. 16, at his residence.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.

N-G