William ‘Bill’ E. Ayres, 71, of Salem, passed away Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Salem Township Hospital.
He was born December 16, 1951 in Salem, the son of John Ayres and Lauribel (Wells) Ayres.
Bill is survived by two nephews and three nieces: Stephen ‘Mike’ Warren and wife Jennie of Centralia, Melinda Braun and husband Chris of Centralia, Rhonda Garner and husband Jeff of Centralia, Rick Brubaker of Salem, and Lisa Kruse and husband Brian of Sanger, Texas; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and close friends: Jack Applegate, Rick Smith and Sherry Lynch.
He was preceded in death by his parents: John & Lauribel Ayres, two sisters: Wilma Dale Ayres and Retta Latrelle “Leigh†Warren, and special friend: Jeannie Meadows.
Bill served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He was an artist and enjoyed woodworking. Bill liked taking a little stroll around town on his bicycle. He also tended to his garden and was a fantastic cook.
Per Bill’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and a Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia with Military Honors accorded at the gravesite by the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and Centralia V.F.W. Post 2055. Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home at 310 North Broadway/ P O Box 97 Salem, Illinois 62881, (618)548-1234, are honored to be of service to Bill’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Home Facebook Page.
