William Howard Ayers Jr.

William Howard Ayers, Jr. died peacefully on January 25th of natural causes. He was an avid Auburn fan, golfer, outdoorsman, pilot, entrepreneur, business man, inventor, and his favorite role: PopPop.

Howard Ayers was born on October 12, 1942 in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Bessemer High School and then from Auburn University in 1965.

He served in the United States Army Reserves as a helicopter mechanic and had a distinguished career that spanned across seven decades in the commercial construction industry. From 1973 through 2003 he served as President of SRD, Inc., a specialty contracting company that completed numerous notable projects throughout the southeast. He then parlayed his construction industry knowledge into a successful second career with ACS, LLC after he invented and patented multiple commercial roof edge systems that continue to be used on projects throughout the country.

Howard felt strongly about mentoring all employees, and was heavily involved in the industry trade associations that helped provide for his livelihood. During his career he was active in the Associated General Contractors, Associated Builders and Contractors, American Subcontractors Association, American Institute of Architects, Structural Engineers Association, Construction Specification Institute, National Roofing Contractors Association, as well many other business and networking groups.

He was passionate about his hobbies. For many years he held a pilot’s license and recreationally flew planes and helicopters. He was a fixture at Auburn athletic events. But many people knew him most from his love for golf. He once had a full service two-hole private golf course built on his property, and was a longtime member of Chase Lake Country Club and Old Overton.

Despite his many accomplishments in the business world, Howard would have told anyone listening that the role he was proudest of was that of PopPop. He spent countless hours watching dance recitals, sporting events, and musicals with delight, and enjoyed every possible moment visiting with his children and grandchildren.

He leaves behind his wife, Donnetta; his sons, Jeff and Tim (Joni), and their mother, Bunny; grandchildren, Jordan, Jonny, Alli, Emma, Clara, and Madeline; stepsons, Justin (Amanda), and Brandon (Sarah). He is preceded in death by his parents, William Howard and Esther Ayers.

There will be a visitation from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., immediately followed by a graveside service on Friday, January 28, 2022 at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction. Checks can be made payable to Auburn University Foundation and mailed to Auburn Advancement, 221 Dudley Hall, Auburn, AL 36849 or made online: https://aub.ie/CADCsupport

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Ayers family.