Francis O. AyersKnoxville, TNFrancis O. Ayers, age 91, passed away Saturday, August 5, 2017 at Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans' Home. He was born on December 31, 1925 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Elmer and Charlotte Ayers. Francis was honored to be a World War II veteran, serving in the European Theatre with the 100st Airborne. Survivor of the Battle of the Bulge, Francis received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his military services. Francis meet his beloved wife, Jeanne Muzyk following the war and married October 16, 1948 in Pittsburgh, PA. He received his Electrical Engineering degree from Waynesburgh College, PA. Later, he was employed by Allis Chalmers and General Electric, he retired from TVA twenty-five years ago. Francis was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, Jeanne; brother, Ellsworth; sisters, Ruth Stulginski and Helen Berner. Francis is the beloved father of daughter, Amy and son-in-law, George Robinson; grandson, Shawn; several loving extended family members, nieces, nephews and treasured friends and church family of forty-five years, Erin Presbyterian Church. A heartfelt thank you to the staff of Ben Atchley Veterans' Home for the wonderful care of Fran for the past three and one half years. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday evening at Erin Presbyterian Church with a funeral service to follow, Reverend John Stuart, officiating. Family and friends will meet at East Tennessee State Veterans' Cemetery (Lyons View Pike) for a 2:00 PM Thursday graveside service with full military honors presented by the Volunteer State Veterans' Honor Guard. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Erin Presbyterian Church, 200 Lockett Road, Knoxville, TN 37919. Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements provided by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.