WILLIAM DAWSON AYERS was born in Philadelphia on February 10, 1933 to Josephine and William Ayers. His father was a veteran of World War I, and there were at least two other children in the Ayers family, older sisters Mary and Elizabeth, both born prior to the 1930 Census Enumeration.

William D. Ayers was listed in the 1959 New Jersey Bell Telephone Directory at 2846 Pierce Avenue in Cramer Hill. He lived at that address into the 1970s, when he moved to Voorhees Township, New Jersey.

William D. Ayers was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on August 15, 1961. He was promoted to Captain on March 7, 1969 and assigned to Ladder Company 1. A further promotion, to Battalion Chief, came on November 4, 1982. After over 29 years of distinguished service, Chief Ayers retired on March 1, 1991.

A resident of Voorhees Township, New Jersey at the time of his death, William D. Ayers died on June 16, 1992.