As we approach the 81st anniversary of the D-Day invasion—June 6, 1944—we pause to honor the brave souls who gave their lives during one of the most pivotal moments in World War II. Nearly every American family was touched in some way by the events of that day, and here in Patrick County, we, too, grieved the loss of one of our own. This week, we remember and honor Cpl. Richard Garland Ayers—a young man from Stuart whose life was cut short on the shores of Omaha Beach.
Richard was born on October 6, 1914, to Tobias Ayers and Sarah “Sallie” Stanley Ayers, who made their home along Spencer Nowlin Road in Stuart. Tobias was originally from Floyd County, while Sallie was the daughter of Creed Stanley and Sarah Jane Goad of Patrick County. Richard was the youngest of four children and grew up surrounded by the love of his siblings: Bertha Virginia Ayers, Sandy Ralph Ayers, and Charlie Glen Ayers.
Before answering the call to serve, Richard worked for John J. West and was known for both his physical strength and his kind, humble nature. Standing six feet tall, with a ruddy complexion, brown hair, and deep brown eyes, Richard was a quiet but dependable presence in his community.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 3, 1941, in Roanoke—months before America would officially enter the war. In February 1942, Richard married Miss Regina Lorene Beasley of Stuart, the daughter of George Washington Beasley and Vergie Emma Beasley. Regina came from a beloved local family; her brother, Winford Paul Beasley, was well-known in town as the longtime manager of the movie theater and owner of Beasley’s department store in downtown Stuart.
On June 6, 1944—D-Day—Cpl. Ayers landed with Allied forces on the blood-soaked sands of Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. He was 29 years old. Amid the chaos and unimaginable courage of that morning, he was struck by artillery fire and fatally wounded. He died in the line of duty, helping to liberate Europe from Nazi oppression.
Cpl. Ayers served in Company A, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division—widely known as the company of the “Bedford Boys.” During the initial assault, 19 men from the little town of Bedford lost their lives, and more than 800 members of the 116th Infantry were killed, wounded, or declared missing. Their valor created the critical foothold needed for Allied success, paving the way for the liberation of France and, eventually, victory in Europe.
Initially, Cpl. Ayers was laid to rest at St. Laurent, Baveux Cemetery, overlooking the cliffs of Omaha Beach. His body was returned to the United States in December 1947 and received by Nelson Funeral Home in Danbury, North Carolina. Funeral services were held at Wayside Community Church on December 10, with Reverend Charles Bryte officiating. Full military honors were rendered by American Legion Post 105 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7008 of Stuart.
Today, Cpl. Ayers rests in Wayside Cemetery in Stuart—the same land where he was born, lived, and loved. His story is one of courage, duty, and devotion, and though his life was tragically short, his sacrifice lives on in the hearts of all who cherish freedom.
More recently, a beautiful Veterans Memorial was constructed at Wayside Cemetery by Hunter Heath of Stuart as part of his Eagle Scout project. It stands as a fitting tribute to the heroes buried there. One can only imagine that Cpl. Ayers would be proud of the honor shown to his fellow veterans and to future generations who now understand the price of liberty.
For those seeking information about loved ones who served and died during World War II, a valuable resource is now available. Due to a legal settlement related to the return of remains from a mass grave in the Philippines, more than 500,000 Individual Deceased Personnel Files (IDPFs) are now accessible to families at no cost. These files document service members from World War II, the Korean War, and, in some cases, Vietnam.
To request the IDPF of Cpl. Richard Garland Ayers—or of another service member—you can email idpfbataan@gmail.com, including the full name, date of birth, and place of birth of the individual. If you prefer, I would be honored to help you. You may contact me at rockcastlecreek1@gmail.com.
As Memorial Day approaches, may we take a moment to remember the faces behind the names, the families who endured the loss, and the freedoms won at such great cost. Cpl. Richard Garland Ayers gave all for a cause greater than himself. May we never forget.
