Bobby Gene Ayers, 82, of New Smyrna Beach, passed away in his sleep on October 20, 2026. He was born on October 17, 1944 in Beckley, West Virginia. 

He was drafted into the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1967. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. 

He liked fishing, hunting, and hanging with his friends. In his later years, he liked riding on the beach and feeding the birds. 

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Forrest and Mabel; his brother, Billy Ray; and his sister, Diana. 

He is survived by his wife, Karen; his daughters, Jeannie and Theresa; his sons, Johnnie and Travis; 8 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; his sister, Caroline; and his brothers, Ricky and Garry. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on Tuesday, November 24, 2026 at 11am.