Thomas "Tom" Ayres, Jr., 54, of Franklin Co. went home to be with his Lord, Wednesday August 26, 2020. He was born in Maryland on November 21, 1965, to the late Thomas L. Ayres, Sr. and Marylane Dwyer Ayres Thornton.  A loving Husband and Father. He Loved God.  He was a Master Craftsman in woodworking and design with his company, Thomas Custom Woodworks and currently working with Carter Cabinets as a designer. Tom was a member of Christ Church and presently attending Franklin Heights Baptist Church. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by his step-father, Jack Julian Thornton.  In addition to his mother he is survived by his wife of 28 years; Gloria Lynne DePetris Ayres, one son, Thomas Julian Ayres, two daughters, Brandi Sessor and Simone Ayres, one sister, Jennifer A. Ensign and three grandchildren; Paul DePetris, Robert Sessor and Anna Lynn Preskitt.  A Celebration of Life service will be held 3:00 P.M. Friday September 11, 2020, at Franklin Heights Baptist Church at 110 Hilltop Drive, Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151, with Pastors Dr. Stan Parris and Bobby Young officiating. A reception will follow services at the church.