Carl Elvis Ayers, age 85, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2019 in Wauchula, FL. He was born on January 28, 1934 in Holland, Missouri to the late Carl William and Viola Fife Ayers. Elvis moved to Wauchula in 1960 with his family from Missouri. He was of the Protestant faith.

Elvis was an entrepreneur. He started his career with a full service Westco gas station on HWY 17 in Bowling Green. From there he also sold "Ayers" used cars, ran Ayers wrecker service and had a mechanic shop for years even after the gas part of the station was removed. In the mid 90's he closed the station and moved all of his business' back to his property. Ayers enterprises then started all of his other business ventures. Ayers fill dirt, and Ayers demolition where his motto was "no job too big or too small" Ayers wrecker service also continued. The Ayers house was always full of people. People seeking parts for cars, employment, advice or just hanging out. Elvis never turned anyone away. Elvis had Minnie cook lunch for employees and family alike. If lunch was ready it didn't matter why you stopped by the house, you were asked if you wanted to eat. It was just his way.

Elvis and Minnie took in her siblings right after they were married Thomas, Bo, Joanne, Homer, Linda Sue and Dorthy Jane. Elvis treated all 6 of them as his own and raised them until they were ready to start a life of their own, In addition to his and Minnie's 7 children. Elvis continued his tradition of taking care of everyone with his grandchildren, and their friends too. There was always room if you needed to stay the night for whatever reason. Even if it turned into more than a night. Everyone's favorite hangout was Elvis and Minnie's house for at least 4 decades.

Elvis enjoyed working, he worked every single day. He always found work even when no one else knew there was any. When he did take a work break he enjoyed fishing, and going to gun shows. Shooting his guns at targets or paper plates with a bullseye drawn on it and he loved watching his westerns. Elvis liked to look nice. Usually in a western dress shirt, his belt buckle, cowboy hat, and nice cowboy boots.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Minnie Maxwell Ayers of Wauchula, FL, one daughter Donna A. (Frank) Steffens of Wauchula, FL, three sons Carl Eugene (Ann) Ayers of Lake Placid, FL, Billy Dean (Virginia) Ayers of Bowling Green, FL, Roger Clark (Lynn) Ayers of Sebring, FL, two brothers Edward Faye Ayers of Arcadia, FL and Lyndel (Ada) Ayers of Bowling Green, FL., twelve grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

Elvis was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Viola, three sons David Wayne Ayers, Alvin Dale Ayers, Robert Ray Ayers, sister Carolyn Easter and brother Leonard Ayers.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 from 10:00am until 11:00am at First Christian Church, 1121 Louisiana St., Wauchula, FL.

A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00am at the church with Pastor Tom Hartman officiating.

Online condolences can be made at pongerkaysgrady.com.

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.