Russell Ayers

He was born on December 28, 1942 in Springfield, Tennessee to the late Thomas and Mabel Ayers. He was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Louise Chesnutt and nephew, J. T. Ayers.

He received his Bachelors, Masters and Ed.S. degrees from MTSU. Russell retired from the Hamilton County School System where he served as a principal in various schools within the county. He was affiliated with several professional educational associations. After retirement he worked for Enterprise Car Rental where he was presently employed.

He was a member of Ooltewah Baptist Church where he was on various committees and served as a Deacon.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Linda Chesnutt Ayers, of Ooltewah, TN, son, Chris (Deanna) Ayers, of Durham, NC, daughter, Amy (Casey) Bough, of Wichita, KS, two grandchildren, Colton and Chase, sister, Helon Owens, brother, Tommy (Darlene) Ayers, and two nieces, Kellie Owens and Angie Woodrum, all of Springfield, TN.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 8, 2016, at Ooltewah Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Gaither and Rev. Michael Bradley officiating. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in Plowman Cemetery in Apison, TN.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the R3 Building Project at Ooltewah Baptist Church, 5514 Main Street, Ooltewah, Tennessee 37363.

Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com

Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.