William L. Ayers

Berlin - William L. Ayers, 85, loving husband of 62 years to Lorna (Wenk) Ayers, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 13, 2016. He was born May 22, 1931 in Critz, Virginia, a son of the late Thomas and Christine (Critz) Ayers. William graduated from William & Mary College with an A.S. degree in Drafting. He was employed at Charles Parker Co., Premier Metals, and then went on to found his own company, Ayers Drafting Service. William proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines during the Korean Conflict, stationed at the sub base in Groton. He loved woodworking, chair caning, Civil War history, antiques, wintering in Naples, Florida, and was an avid Red Sox fan. In addition to his wife Lorna, he is survived by a daughter, Susan King of Meriden, his son, Steven (Jennifer) Ayers of Watertown, grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as 'Bophum;' Trevor (Katie) King, Jillian King, Griffin King, and Christian King, two step-granddaughters, Desiree and Hannah LaFontaine, as well as a nephew, Paul Dean (Tanya), niece, Wendy (Ronald) Begansky, and nephews Wayne and David Hayes. He was predeceased by his sister Dorothy Dean, a grandson, Mitchell Ayers, and son-in-law Bill King. Relatives and friends may call at the Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden on Friday Dec. 16, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday Dec. 17, at 10:00 am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Terryville, CT. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Meriden. Memorial contributions may be sent to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 8 Maple St., Terryville, CT 06723.