Harvey Logan "Preacher" Ayers, 88, passed away on June 15, 2023 at Deerfield Ridge in Boone, N.C.  He was born on October 6,1934 in Pocahontas, West Virginia and was the son of Ida Jones Ayers and William Kirby Ayers.  He attended Mt. Airy High School and graduated from Hargrave Military Academy lettering in football, basketball, and baseball.  While at Mt. Airy High School, he was selected to the North Carolina Shrine Bowl.  He went on to Appalachian State Teacher's College where he was a member of the football program. Harvey was a US Air Force Veteran and served on President Dwight Eisenhower's honour guard.

His passion for sports remained a dominant factor in his life as he was a co-founder of the Appalachian State Mountaineer Club. He was also instrumental in the development of a little league football program in the late 1960's.  Harvey loved coaching the youth of Watauga County how to play the sport he loved. Many of the young men he coached went on to play in high school on winning teams and he followed them all the way with great joy.  His love for golf made the Boone Golf Club a second home and the friendships built around the course lasted a lifetime.

Harvey was the last survivor of eight brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Sonny Crater; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Jim Graham; and daughter and son-in-law Alison and Todd Sandstedt.  Harvey had four Grandchildren Kevin Marsh, Madison Howard and husband River, Derek Sandstedt and David Sandstedt. He is also survived by a special nephew, George Gibson and wife Terry and many other dear nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Margaret Jones, the mother of his children. A private burial will be held at a later date in Mt. Airy.

Join us at Boone Golf Club on July 8, 2023 at 5:00p.m to celebrate the lives of our parents, Harvey and Margaret. Golf/Casual attire.

The family would like to extend appreciation to the staff of Deerfield Ridge for their care.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Medi Home Health & Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, N.C. 28607

Online condolences may be sent to the Ayers family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.