Richard V. Ayala

Richard Ayala, 87, of Hixson, TN passed away on September 11, 2019 with his family at his side. Richard is formerly of Cartersville, GA and Detroit, MI. Born on May 23, 1932 in Detroit, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents Opal Wiyninger, who died when he was 5 and his father Candelaria Ayala, he never knew. He was the youngest of 10 children and was adopted by his Aunt Francis Wiyninger Esquzel. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Rosemary Angle, Lola Martinez and John Cabrerra.

Richard served in the U.S. Army earning The National Defense Service Metal during the Korean War. Richard also served as a Seaman in the U.S. Coast Guard/Great Lakes on a steamship. Richard was a member of the VFW Post 1146 and Post 1494 in Michigan where he served on the Ritual Team for many years and was a Cootie. Richard was a member of the West Gate No. 520 Masonic Lodge, a 32 degree Mason and he was also a Shriner.

Richard graduated from Wolverine Trade School, worked as an Arc Welder for Chrysler Corp. in Detroit. He went on to become a Chef and opened a Mexican Restaurant “Ricardos” in NW Detroit. Richard’s career was short lived as he became disabled due to an auto accident in Detroit and moved to be near his family in the Atlanta area.

Richard is survived by his Ex-Wife and best friend, Ann Kochle – Greenhut (Gary Greenhut) his daughters, Debra Adkins (James Whitehead) and Verna Kofflin, his grandchildren, Heather Young (Chris Young) and Justin Zalewski (Lauren Kauffman) and his great grandchildren, Alexander Young and Logan Young and a host of nephews and nieces.

A Graveside Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors will be held on Monday, September 16th at 2:30 pm at Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel in Hixson from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com