Raymond J. ”Earl” Ayersman, age 78, passed away on Dec. 29, 2015, in Lakeland, Fla.

He was born to Raymond and Ada Ayersman in Morgantown, W.Va., on May 9, 1937.

He served in the Navy, stationed at Naval Air Station Whidvbey Island. After discharge, he worked for the City of Oak Harbor.

In 1972, he moved to Morgantown and was a truck driver for Marquette Cement and RMF Oil.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Dixon. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marthella Youngsman Ayersman of Mulberry Fla. Also surviving are three sons: Steven (Blanca) Ayersman of Lakeland, Fla.; Michael (Rosa) Ayersman of Mulberry; and Eric (Paula) Ayersman of Morgantown. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, as well as his brother Richard (Maryann) Ayersman and sister Helen Bohon.

He was a member of Highland Park Nazerene Church of Lakeland, Fla. He will be buried at Bushnell National cemetery in Bushnell, Fla., on March 7, 2016.