Franklin Carter Ayers

Franklin Carter Ayers, age 80, of Sneedville, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.  He was born on November 15, 1944.

Franklin was a devoted husband of 56 years to his wife, Laura Ayers, and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He proudly served as a veteran of the United States Army.  His passions included fishing, working on cars, and sharing true stories about his life experiences with his family.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Laura Ayers; daughter, Patsy Yoakum; mother, Sarah Ayers; father, Luster Ayers; brothers, Lee Ayers and Elmer “Fireball” Ayers; sister Annie Ayers; brothers – sisters-in-law, Richard and Nila Fultz, Wesley and Charlotte Greene, and Ted and Ola Pace; and three nieces, Linda Brooks, Vivian Drummond, and Debbie McDonald.

Franklin is survived by his children, Pamela and Lonnie Johnson, Timmy and Deborah Ayers, Connie Partin, and David Singleton; grandchildren, Laura Giles (Joshua Graves), Timothy and Shianne Ayers, Victor and Brooklyn Ayers, and Jaxon Mayes; step-grandchildren, Shania and Brian Gragg and Louise Yoakum; great-grandchildren, Alyana Grace Giles, Khaleesi Sky Graves, Silas Ayers and Liliana, Shakira Goins, Allison and Eleseanna Gragg, Jr, Krisa, and Trinity; grandchildren he thought of as his own, Nash and Rory; brothers, Ron and Redella Ayers and John and Tivie Ayers; and a host of other friends and family.

Franklin was a well-known and beloved member of his community.  Most of the time when he went anywhere, he always ran into someone who knew him.  He always helped anyone the best he could, leaving a lasting impact on those whose lives he touched.

Military Honors will be on Sunday at 1:45 PM with the Campbell County Honors Guard at the Arnett & Steele Valley Chapel.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the Arnett & Steele Valley Chapel with Rev. K.J. Zumbrum and John Clifford Graves presiding.  Music will be provided by Tommy Belcher.  Burial will follow at the Adams Cemetery in Harrogate.  Pallbearers will be Lonnie Johnson, David Singleton, Tyler Singleton, Allen Johnson, Joshua Graves, and Scottie Winstead.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 11:00 AM until the Military Honors at the Arnett & Steele Valley Chapel in Harrogate, which is honored to serve the Ayers Family.