Winston Weldon Ayers, Jr., age 88 of Mt. Airy, passed away Monday, March 21, 2016. Born in Homer, Georgia on September 1, 1927, he was a son of the late Winston Weldon, Sr. and Orphia Chandler Ayers. Mr. Ayers was retired from Schnadig Furniture Company with 42 years of service. A major accomplishment in his life was achieved at age 60 when he received his high school diploma. After retirement, he then was employed with Quality Foods for the last 16 years. Mr. Ayers was a member of Hazel Creek Baptist Church for 68 years. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, Michael Scott Ayers; brother, Tommy Ayers. Survivors include his wife of 68 ½ years, Cleo Blair Ayers of Mt. Airy; son and daughter-in-law, Weldon and Renee Ayers of Mt. Airy; daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Marilyn and Larry Berrong of Hiawassee; brother and sister-in-law, Theron and Polly Ayers of Baldwin; sister-in-law, Carol Ayers of Franklin, North Carolina; six step grandchildren, 12 step great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services are 11 am Thursday, March 24, 2016, at Hazel Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Burrell, Rev. Trent Smith and Dr. Marilyn Ayers Berrong officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4-8 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Hazel Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 243 Hazel Creek Church Road, Mt. Airy, Georgia 30563 or to Gideon’s International Habersham South Camp, P.O. Box 195, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.