Pastor Steve "Papaw" Odell Ayers

July 4, 1945 - June 23, 2013 Pastor Steve "Papaw" Odell Ayers, 67, of Statesville, graduated to Heaven on Sunday, June 23, 2013 at his place of business in Statesville. He was born in Iredell County on July 4, 1945 to the late James and Dorothy Ayers. He was the owner of Quality Upholstery and the founder and Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church where he faithfully served the Lord from 1989 until 2007. He loved to spend his time hunting and fishing, but above all he enjoyed spending time with his family who were dear to his heart. He bought horses for his grandchildren and loved to go out and watch everyone ride. He would do anything for anyone and always told his family that "they could have anything their heart desires." He is survived by his loving wife Kay Ayers; children Tammy Ayers Pope (Stephen), Michael Stephen Ayers (Jennifer), Ronald James Ayers (Christina), and Mary Ayers Thomas (Ricky); sister Janice Neill (Monte); grandchildren Zachary Pope (Amber), Samuel Pope (Becca), Michael Ayers Jr., Hannah Pope, Brandon Ayers, Jessica Ayers, Justin Meadows, and Halee Thomas; and great granddaughter Taylor Mae Pope. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Walter Ray Ayers. A visitation service for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 from 6-8 pm at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Statesville. A funeral service will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 2 pm with Rev. Stephen Pope, Dr. Darrell Cox, Dr. Jesse Stroud, and Rev. Curtis White officiating. Pallbearers for the funeral service will be Keith Ayers, Zachary Pope, Samuel Pope, Michael Ayers, Jr., Brandon Ayers, Justin Meadows, Wayne Johnson, Jr., and Tommy Ayers. Interment will be immediately following the service at the Fern Hill Baptist Church cemetery. Troutman Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Steve Odell Ayers.