Charles Dale Ayers, 76 years young, of Jackson passed away Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born April 16, 1945, in Essex, Missouri, to Lee and O'Dell Ayers. Dale and Luella Ayers were married Dec. 27, 1966, in Bell City, Missouri.

Charles worked for the City of Cape Girardeau for many years. He then worked at Lake Egypt Waste in Harrisburg, Illinois, from 1985 to 1992. He was then employed as a delivery driver for the Southeast Missourian until he retired.

When he wasn't working his regular job during the week, he worked the weekends for others, such as washing cars, doing lawn work and other jobs that he could find to do. When his vacation was given every year, he worked at the SEMO District Fair for 20 years.

Charles loved to watch WCW Wrestling, gardening and listening to his music. He passed on a legacy of being a hard worker and a provider for his family.

Charles was a member of Greater Dimension Church of God in Christ under the former Bishop William Bird Sr.

He leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Luella Ayers of Jackson; four children, Charles Dale Ayers Jr. of Cape Girardeau, Celestine Annette (Steve) Swan of St. Louis, Elmer Lee Ayers of Cape Girardeau and Elizabeth Jan Ayers of Cape Girardeau; four grandchildren, Calissa, Irvin, Traven and Sarah; and a host of nieces, nephews, a sister and a brother-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Greater Dimension Ministries in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will follow at noon Saturday at the church with the Rev. William Bird officiating. Burial will be at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

The family requests that masks be worn and social distancing be practiced.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home -- Mount Auburn is in charge of arrangements.