Andrew Earl Ayers Sr., 81, of Quebec went home to be with his Lord on Monday, June 10, 2013 at his home on Old Quebec Road. Born July 8, 1931 in Yancey County, Earl lived most of his life in Transylvania County. He was the son of the late Ticie Talmadge Ayers Sr. and Eva Phillips Ayers of Brevard. He was preceded in death by his brother Ticie Ayers Jr. and his sisters Rosa Lee A. Powell and Norma A. Galloway of Transylvania County. He was a member of Enon Baptist Church. A veteran of the United States Army during the Korean War, a retiree of the Rosman Rescue and Fire Department of 25 years, Earl worked most of his life as a carpenter, and then later became a jailer for the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Department. He enjoyed being a part-time farmer all his life. He also enjoyed helping with the Cattlemen’s Association dinners with his late brother Ticie. Earl had a love of music, especially Blue Grass, and was a big fan of his nephew Bobby Powell’s band Carolina Blue. His greatest passion in life, however, was spending time with family and friends eating ramps, and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren playing at his feet or in his yard at his home. He is survived by his bride of 56 years, Ellen Theldarue Hawkins Ayers and his seven children, Andrew Ayers Jr., Ellen A. Goulet, Rosetta A. Chapman, Rachel A. Phillips, Vickie Ayers, Rocky Ayers, and Nancy A. Sweet all of Transylvania County. His surviving brothers are Charles Ayers and wife Eunice, and Ray Ayers and wife Sandy. His surviving sisters are Jewell A. Hightower and husband Ralph, Elaine A. Raines and husband Harley, Carolyn Ayers, Shirley Ayers, Cissie Fay Ayers, and the wife of his late brother, Ticie, Mary Holden Ayers, and the husband of his late sister, Rosa Lee, Jimmie Powell, all of Transylvania County. He had several nephews and nieces. His daughter Ellen A. Goulet gave him two grandsons, Will Goulet and Daniel with wife Dana Boley Goulet all of Sapphire. Daughter Rosetta A. Chapman and husband Ronnie Chapman of Quebec gave him three grandsons, Nathan Chapman of Andrews, N.C., Cole Chapman of Quebec, and Reid Chapman of Hendersonville. Daughter Rachel A. Phillips and husband Gary Phillips of Tuckasegee, N.C. gave him two step grandchildren, Amy Briggs and Shannon Phillips of Brevard. His son Rocky Ayers and wife Cindy Hall Ayers of Balsam Grove gave him two grandchildren, Creid and Cassidy Ayers. His daughter Nancy A. Sweet and husband Tom Sweet of Pisgah Forest gave him two grandsons, Clay and Zeb Sweet. His great grandchildren included Ethan, Isaiah, and Aliya Phillips, children of Shannon and Kimberly Phillips of Brevard; Alexis Paris, Shantel and Gracy Briggs, and Chloe York children of Amy and Jimmy Briggs of Brevard; Hayden and Garret Chapman, sons of Nathan and Amanda Bell Chapman of Andrews, N.C.; Anabella Chapman daughter of Cole and Laura Miller Chapman of Quebec; and Hallie Chapman daughter of Reid and Amanda Huggins Chapman of Hendersonville. He had one great-great grandson, Easton Ayers, son of Alexis Paris and Chris Ayers of Brevard. He was also the honorary “Papaw Earl” of several children throughout Transylvania County including Kaley Jones of Brevard (his back scratcher). He was a devoted husband, dedicated father and grandfather. No one enjoyed telling a good story or loved life more than “Papaw Earl”. He will be missed by many that he touched. The family received friends from 6 until 9 pm Wednesday, June 12 at Moody-Connolly Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 2 pm Thursday, June 13, 2013 in the Moody-Connolly Funeral Chapel with Rev. Tommy Owen and Rev. Steve Boley officiating. Burial will be at Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory with military graveside rites conducted by the Honor Guard for Transylvania County Veterans following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family for help with final expenses. Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.