Celebrating the life of
The Honorable Juan C. Ayala
September 25, 1944 - June 13, 2025
Judge Juan Christy Ayala, age 80, of Savannah Georgia, died on Friday, June 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving children and family members.
He was born on September 25,1944, at Marianna Army Airfield in Marianna, Florida and was the eldest child of the late Cristobal and Doris Ayala. Juan attended Nativity of Our Lord School and Benedictine Military School, class of 1962.
As an apprentice to his father in 1962, Juan became a licensed master barber and in 1968 he graduated with a B.A. degree in History from Armstrong State College.
In 1968, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a military intelligence officer in the 2nd Armored Division as well as the 1st Calvary Division. He left active duty as the commanding officer of the 373rd Army Security Agency Company.
After his military service, he was employed at the Chatham County Juvenile Court, attended John Marshall Law School and graduated with a Juris Doctor (JD) in 1975. Thereafter, Juan was offered and accepted a judgeship and remained in that position for the next twenty-seven years.
Judge Ayala always had a passion for teaching and began his teaching career in the Criminal Justice Department at Armstrong State in 1977. He earned his M.Ed. in History Education at Armstrong in 1981. He would go on during the next twenty-five years to instruct students at several local colleges, universities, and academies. He tremendously valued his career as a professor and jurist within his local community.
Juan was affiliated with numerous professional, charitable, and military associations. His contribution to these causes were lifelong and dedicated. He was a member of the Roman Catholic faith and was a member of several of Savannah’s Catholic churches during his life.
After retirement, he especially enjoyed writing, traveling, reading, and spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his can-do approach to life and his charismatic and dynamic personality. He will be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, John Ayala; his sister, Theresa Lucas (Billy); and his brothers, Dennis (Kathy) and Anthony Ayala.
Surviving, is the mother of his children, Sheila Barton Ayala; and his three daughters, Christina Boyette (Mitchell) of Richmond Hill, Holly Ayala of Savannah and Cassie Ledoux (Charley) of Mount Pleasant, SC.
He also leaves four beloved grandchildren, Aiden and Laila Boyette, and Gabby and Caleb Ledoux; his siblings, Carmen McIntyre (Donny (late)), Tommy Ayala (Linda), Danny Ayala (Linda), Linda Howard (Elton), Joey Ayala (Lori), Cindy Carter (Mark), Richard Ayala (Karen), Michael Ayala (Jennifer) and Lorie Waters. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
Visitation will be held 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow the visitation at 1:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest you consider a donation in Judge Ayala's memory to Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA 31406 or St. Vincent’s Academy, 207 E. Liberty Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
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Danny, we're so sad to hear that Juan has passed. He was a wonderful gentleman. May his memory be a blessing.
- Terri (Brown) and Mike Patillo, Tybee and Savannah , GA
We are so very sorry to find this out. What a wonderful life well lived! Prayers for the repose of his soul and strength and comfort for all.
- Charlie Kirk and Patti Neidlinger , Tybee Island, GA
Please accept my sincerest condolences.
- Ĵay Hall, Savannah, Georgia
Christina, Holly and Cassie, I am sorry to hear about your loss. We are praying for your families. Juan was a wonderful person.
- Kathy Ayala, Savanah, Georgia
Tommy so sorry to hear about Juan
- Warren Brooks, Savannah, Ga
Tommy so sorry to hear about Juan
- Warren Brooks, Savannah, Ga
Tommy, I'm so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. May our Good Lord bring you and your brother's extended family great comfort in your time of sorrow and mourning.
- Brian Welch , Odessa, FL
Tommy, I'm so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. May our Good Lord bring you and your brother's extended family great comfort in your time of sorrow and mourning.
- Brian Welch , Odessa, FL
Danny, Linda, Carmen and Family, So sorry to read about the Judge, your brother passing away. All are in our thoughts and prayers. Jackie and Charlie
- Jackie and Charlie Brown, Tybee Island/Metter, GA
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Saddened to hear that my classmate has passed on, Juan was a really great guy. I always admired Juan as he paid his way through Benedictine and Armstrong College cutting hair at his father's barber shop. Then after serving our country as a Army Officer he attended law school after working all day. The class of 62' will miss you at our survivors luncheon. RIP my friend. Tom and Helen Taggart
- Tom Taggart , Savannah , Ga
Uncle Juan was always kind to me and I enjoyed the times we could sit together and talk. I hope that once the sadness and grieving is past, that what endures in our memories are the many moments of joy and happiness he brought to all of our lives.
- Jason Ayala, Pooler, ga
Cassie, Today I was cleaning out my basement and ironically came across a newspaper dated January 19 ,2000 , with your brother staring back at me with a beautiful smile on his face under the word Memorials. It read: "John Christopher Ayala March 5, 1976-January 19,1997 'Sometimes the memory of that night comes rushing back to us with all the anguish that it brought. But you are not a memory. You are as real as ever and loved as ever by all of us. '" I say that this was ironic because first thing this morning I saw someone had posted the news of your prescious dad's passing and I so wish I had been able to tell him how much his son meant to me when I taught him and how much his loss still makes me feel today. The only comfort I feel today is that they are together and that love never dies. I am glad he had you as a daughter and that your brother had you as a sister.
- Beth Faris, Cumming, Georgia
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thu, June 19, 2025
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church
-
1707 Bull Street (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31404 - 912-232-0792
- Mass of Christian Burial
- 1:00 p.m. on Thu, June 19, 2025
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church
-
1707 Bull Street (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31404 - 912-232-0792