Joseph Milton Ayers

Joseph Milton Ayers, 79, died Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at his home in New York City. A memorial service was held in New York. Mr. Ayers was born in Lexington to Spurgeon Theodore Ayers and Ola Brown Ayers. He was a graduate from Lexington High School as a member of the Class of 1947. At age 22, Joe went to New York City to continue his study of piano and voice at Julliard. He worked at the Metropolitan Opera as assistant to the director of public relations and then embarked upon a successful career in modeling, with his image being used extensively in a variety of national advertising campaigns. Subsequently, he worked in the hotel business, serving as a concierge for the Hotel Intercontinental. He loved New York and the varied opportunities the city afforded him to enjoy music, drama, film and fine art. He participated in many community activities and was a volunteer piano teacher for underprivileged children. He had an active and fulfilling retirement with his neighborhood senior citizens' group with whom he shared his musical talents. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dulcie Ayers Epley, and a brother, Don Charles Ayers. Surviving are two brothers, Spurgeon T. Ayers Jr. of Greensboro and Jacob Sowers Ayers of Louisville, Ky., seven nieces and two nephews. Memorials may be made to World Vision, P.O. Box 70200, Tacoma, WA 98481-0148 or any organization that supports underprivileged children.