David Lee Ayers Sr.

David Lee Ayers Sr., 67, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Wilmington, Dave was the son of the late Sally (Saddler) Ayers/Marks and Albert Daniel Ayers Sr. He was one of ten siblings. Dave was truly a man of many trades. He spent much of his life working as a mechanical technician and could fix just about anything. He also spent more than ten years working in production at Chrysler in Newark. If something was broken, Dave was the one to call. Dave enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved working on projects around the house, riding motorcycles, driving, fixing and talking about classic muscle cars, especially his favorite, the Pontiac GTO Judge. He enjoyed collecting memorabilia like coins and baseball cards. He loved watching sports, especially Joe Montana, the San Francisco 49ers & the Kansas City Chiefs. He loved spending time at Delaware Park watching the live racing horses. Most of all, he loved fishing and relaxing with an ice-cold Corona with a fresh lime. More than anything, Dave loved his family. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he was especially devoted to them. He was known for his big heart, his willingness to help anyone, and his quiet way of always showing up when someone needed him. Dave also had a special place in his heart for his dogs: Star, Angel, and Teddy, who were always close by. He is survived by his children, David Jr. (Keri), Tanya Bivins (Erik), and Samuel Ayers (Drena Williamson). He also leaves behind his siblings, Albert Daniel Ayers Jr. (Laura), Kenneth Edward Ayers (Pamela Ayers, who passed away just one day after David), Michael Joseph Ayers (Natalie), James Ayers, Catherine Pearson (Michael), Patricia Ayers, Mark Ayers, and Tommy Ayers. Dave was a proud grandfather to Amber (Eddie), Christian, Alexis, Jasper, Ronin, and Ezra, and a loving great-grandfather to Jazzy, Emma, and Amelia. He will also be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Dave was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Sally Marks and Clarence Marks III; his father and stepmother, Albert and Helen Ayers, Sr.; his beloved wife, Debbie Caldwell; and his sister, Donna Ayers. Dave will always be remembered for his kindness, his hardworking nature, and the love he had for his family. The memories he leaves behind will live on in the stories shared, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely. Services and burial will be private. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on March 28 at 1:00 p.m. at UAW Local 1183, 698 South Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, Delaware 19702. To send an online condolence, please visit www.stranofeeley.com. Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home 302-731-5459

David Lee Ayers Sr.

June 28, 1958 - March 7, 2026

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