Pastor Bobby L. Ayres' Obituary
Pastor Bobby L. Ayres, 90, of Longview, Texas, formerly of Elmore City, Oklahoma, finished his life journey September 25, 2019 as the Lord received him into His grace at Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center. He was born to the share-cropping family of David Ayres and Florence E. Fuson Ayres in Tishomingo, Okla., on May 16, 1929. He had one sister, the late Betty L. Ellis of Pennsylvania, wife of the late Jack Ellis of Okla. Graduating from high school at an early age, he was too young to enter the military so he moved on making his way in the world. Bobby worked at the Flying L Ranch, Dolese Rock Quarry, Raulston Purina, the Frisco Railroad and made his way to the Phelps Dodge, Copper Mines in Morenci, AZ. During this time he married the late Betty Jo Slate of Daughtry, Okla. To this union came two beautiful daughters, Barbara Ayres, wife of the Jaimie Lason and Shirley Ayres, wife of Mike Stewart, all of AZ. At 27 Bobby met and married the late Dora Bernice Horn the daughter of the late Thomas O.Horn of Duncan, Arizona and the late Dorietta Bratcher of Elmore City, Okla. To Bobby and Bernice came 3 lovely daughters and one son, Patricia L. Ayres, wife of Joseph Podhajski of Midwest City, Okla, twins: the late Tammy Lorene Ayres of Okla, and Pastor Thomas Lavern Ayres, husband of Michelle Cove of Longview, TX and Karen Leslie Itzel, wife of William Itzel of Baltimore, MD. Saved at the age of 29 at Stargo Missionary Baptist Church, he was called into ministry in 1960. Bobby pastored churches in 3 states, helped raise funds for missions, campgrounds, established 2 mission points and received commendations from the President of the United States for work he did rebuilding jet fuel systems during the Vietnam War. He worked hard, pulling 1000’s of lbs. of cotton a day as a young man, he hunted, did rock hounding, rebuilt Model T’s and Mercedes, preached, served on BMAA committees, local, state and national, discussed scripture, painted, wired houses and churches. He worked in electric and telephone work, built bridges, and oilfield work. He also loved making jewelry, singing and writing songs. After 60 years of the gospel ministry, which he felt was his greatest calling in life, Bobby’s wife Bernice Ayres finished her life journey in 2016, he moved to Longview, TX to live with his son and family. He soon joined Camille Acres Church and was blessed to sit under the pastorate of his own son. At the age of 87 he met Anatta King, widow of the late BMAA Pastor Arvol J. King of Rusk, Texas. Bobby was 88 and Anatta was 83 when they married. Brother Bobby has been blessed by the addition of stepchildren from the King union, the late Lacretia Raborn of East Texas, Dora Owens of the late Gary Owens of White Oak, Texas and Renda and Tira Sexton of Anderson, Texas. From these respective families he has a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. His life has been a journey to Christ and the service of others. He is grieved by a host of extended family and friends across the United States. We wish to thank the doctors, and nurses and all other staff of Paul’s Valley, Oklahoma and Christus Good Shepherd in Longview. Special thank you to Dr. McDonald, Dr. Bradley and D.D. Johnson, Dr. Hodges, Dr. Buckalew, Dr. Skarda, and especially his PCP Dr. Earnest, who never left his side, Dr. Chastain, Dr. Akvan and Tommy Bell. The family also wishes to thank all who have called, given, loved and prayed for Bro. Bobby through these last few years of illnesses and life. Thanks especially to his church family of Camille Acres Baptist Church of Longview, Texas. Memorial gifts can be sent to Camille Acres Building Fund c/o Noble and Elizabeth Midkiff, 901 Camille Dr., Longview, Texas 75601 or to our local Gideon Chapter for the purchase of Gideon Bibles to spread the gospel. Longview Texas Gideon Camp, 905 Oakwood Dr. Longview Texas 75604.
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