William Lee Ayer

William Lee Ayer, known to friends and family as Billy, 79, of Charleston, SC, passed away on May 27.

Billy was born on August 3, 1944 to Charles and Vivian Ayer in Savannah, GA. He grew up on John’s Island, SC, a place that remained ingrained in him no matter where else he traveled.

He was a stubborn man, and a fighter, but both were very positive traits. He fought for those he loved, and he loved deeply and powerfully.

Billy could be found in the gym almost every morning, and as a passionate landscaper he could often be found tending (or re-tending) to his yard whenever the sun was in the sky. He also never met a dog he didn't want to make sure was taken care of.

Anyone who knew Billy knew that he was the most loving father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle a family could ask for. Billy was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Vivian, and many pets, including Sport, Brandy, Trouble, Scooter, Sadie, and Bella. He is survived by his son, Jason, his grandchildren, Harrison and Amethyst, his great-grandson Isaac, his brother, Charles (Bubba), his sisters, Laney and Lexa, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (https://www.theaftd.org/).

A Visitation will be held at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 2nd , followed by a brief service at noon. Interment will follow the service in Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens.

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at McAlister-Smith.com