Reginald Lee Ayers, age 93, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, entered into the presence of his Savior on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his beloved family.
Born on November 4, 1930, in Brushfork, West Virginia, Reginald was the son of the late Millard Curtis and Edna Ayers.
Reginald is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Kathryn Jewell Ayers; two sons, Rev. Dr. Stephen Ayers (Elizabeth) of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Mark Ayers of Orlando, Florida; two daughters, Bethann Johnson (Daren) of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Dr. Nancy Rice (John) of Mobile, Alabama; two grandsons, Blake Ayers (Rachel) and John Chatham Rice; two granddaughters, Dr. Claci Ayers (Alex Henderson) and Abigail Rice; two great-grandsons, Tucker Ayers and Rhett Ayers; three sisters, Bonnie Gibson of Salisbury, Maryland, Dottie Ayers of Baltimore, Maryland, and Marilyn Gerardi (Ernest) of Berlin, Maryland; along with many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Millard Curtis “Bob” Ayers, Jr. (Frankie) of Salisbury, Maryland.
Reginald’s remarkable career began with his education at Bluefield College, from which he graduated in 1950. He went on to complete his studies at Bowling Green Business University, now Gordon Ford College of Business at Western Kentucky University, in 1952. That same year, he enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War, where he was stationed at the Pentagon, serving under Admiral Arleigh Burke as his yeoman. During his military service, Reginald pursued his legal education at George Washington Law School, attending night classes and earning his L.L.B. in 1959.
Upon passing the Virginia Bar in 1959, Reginald returned to Bowling Green with his new bride to join the law firm of Charles R. Bell and Joe B. Orr, a partnership that eventually became Bell, Orr, Ayers, and Moore. Over the course of his distinguished 50 plus year career, Reginald practiced as a trial attorney specializing in insurance defense, professional malpractice, and estate law.
Reginald held memberships with the Kentucky Bar, the U.S. District Court – Western District of Kentucky, the U.S. Court of Appeals – Sixth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He was recognized with a Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell, honoring his highest level of professional excellence, and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
A man of deep faith, Reginald was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Bowling Green, where he served as a deacon, finance committee chair, and Sunday School teacher. In recent years, he was also a member and Bible study teacher of Hillvue Heights Church, where his son Steve serves as the lead pastor.
Beyond his professional achievements, Reginald will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He found his greatest joy at home working in his garden and spending time with his family. His life was a testament to his strong faith in Jesus, which he shared with family, friends, and colleagues alike. Though his presence will be deeply missed, we rejoice in knowing he is now with his Lord.
A private family graveside service, with Navy Honors, was held to celebrate Reginald’s life and legacy. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the community for their years of love and support. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of J. C. Kirby and Son Lovers Lane Chapel.
