Rick passed away on June 27, 2016 after losing a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Rick was born in Tucumcari, New Mexico and grew up in the nearby town of San Jon. He served in the U.S. Navy as a communications expert and flight navigator in Japan. After his service, Rick spent several years as a communications director on Wake Island in the Pacific that served as an integral stopover point in the evacuation of military and civilians from Vietnam. After beginning as a computer programmer, Rick later traveled the world in a variety of consulting and management positions for firms that develop and support manufacturing software.

Rick loved his work, his family, his many friends and was an avid Florida Gator fan. He was preceded in death by his brother Mark Ayres, and his father Herman Ayres.

He is survived by his wife Susan, his son Ben, daughter Kate, his mother Jacqueline Ayres of San Jon, New Mexico, sisters Sherry Magee of Aztec New Mexico, and Cindy Stamps of Tatum, New Mexico, brother David Ayres of Logan, New Mexico and many beloved nieces, nephews and in-laws.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Family will receive friends from 12pm until 2pm on Friday July 1,2016 with a memorial service following at 2pm in the Chapel of Dahlonega Funeral Home.