Malcolm Miller Ayers

Malcolm Miller Ayers, 62, passed away April 26, 2026.  He was born July 11, 1963.

A 1981 graduate of Morristown-Hamblen High School East, Malcolm played multiple sports and was an outstanding member of the Hurricane football team.  He continued his education by earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tusculum University. For much of his professional career, Malcolm worked at various non-profit organizations in Morristown and Knoxville that serve persons with disabilities.  As a young man, he worked in radio and advertising. Malcolm and Lisa Regina Brooks were married at St. Paul United Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Patricia Schumacher on May 23, 1998. A 32nd degree Freemason of Kyle Lodge No. 422 in Whitesburg, Malcolm was a member of the Kerbela Shrine Temple in Knoxville as well as a member and past KOFU of the Royal Order of Wefts. A member of the Kerbela Shrine Clown troupe, his colorful character Willie volunteered many hours entertaining children both outside and inside the three rings of the Shrine Circus.

Malcolm was the son of John Lyman Ayers, Sr., and Mary Miller Talley Ayers, who operated a Pioneer Century Farm on the Nolichucky River in Cocke County.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Brooks Ayers; brother, John Lyman Ayers, Jr., (Teresa); nephew, Joey Brooks; niece, Elizabeth Ayers Neill, (Robert), great-nephew, Jackson; and many cousins and friends.

Malcolm loved blues music, and his “fur babies,” including his dog Oliver.

Malcolm’s family thanks the University of Tennessee Medical Center Critical Care Team in Knoxville, and Fresenius Kidney Care in Morristown, for taking such wonderful care of him.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at Allen Funeral Home.  The funeral will follow with the Rev. Dennie Humphreys officiating.  There will be a graveside service 11 a.m. Friday at Hamblen Memory Gardens.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Bacon, Joey Brooks, Bobby Chambers, Stanley Hampton, Donald Nicholson, and Stacy Worthington.

Arrangements by Allen Funeral Home.

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