William Arthur Ayers, 87, of Summerlake and Greenfield Nursing Home died Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at Mary Washington Hospital.

Mr. Ayers was born in Riverside, Calif., and held a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Wisconsin. He was a retired scientist with the USDA. He enjoyed playing tennis and computer games and was an amateur photographer. Mr. Ayers was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Adelia "Ditty" Ayers.

Survivors include two daughters, Kathy Traber and husband David and Susan Hampton and husband James; seven grandchildren, Erin Ristau and husband Noah, Emily Springmann and fiance Robert McEvoy, Bradley Hampton, Trevor Hampton, Michael Traber and wife Melissa, Greg Traber and wife Penny and Scott Traber; and several great- grandchildren. He also leaves his dog, Sweetie.

Funeral and burial will be private.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2217 Princess Anne St., Suite 106-1F, Fredericksburg, Va. 22401; or to the Pet Assistance League (PAL), Box 1076, Stafford, Va. 22555.

Online guest book is at covenantfuneralservice.com.