Roy J. AYRES

AYRES, Roy J. 82, of Riverview went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 9, 2012. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Columbus, MS on Dec. 10, 1929. He grew up loving music, and at the age of 8 years he taught himself how to play the Steel Guitar. Shortly after turning 16 years of age he began his professional musical career when he joined Pee Wee King and the Golden West Cowboys, where they played weekly on the Grand Ole Opry. He was best known as Pee Wee King's lead steel guitarist on the original recording of the Tennessee Waltz, which was widely considered the most successful record of its era. He proudly and honorably served his county in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, where he received numerous campaign awards and personal recognition. Following his tour of duty in Korea, he obtained his Masters Degree in Physics from the University of Louisville in 1956; after which, he spent 8 years in the Aerospace Industry as a physicist. Following his time in aerospace, he worked at Fender Music Corporation where he contributed to the design of many of their musical products. Proceeding his time with Fender, Roy served in City Government in Garland, TX and Clearwater, as well as Florida County Government in Clay and Bradford county. Upon his retirement in 2003, he rekindled his love for music and the steel guitar. In 2005, Roy was inducted into the Seattle, WA "Pioneer's of Western Swing" Hall of Fame. Later, in 2006 he was inducted into the Sacramento, CA "Western Swing Music" Hall of Fame; and in 2007 he achieved the highest honor for Steel Guitar, when he was the 57th inductee into the "International Steel Guitar Hall of Fame" in St. Louis, MO. He is survived by his loving wife Laurie; daughters, Sondra and her husband Tim, Tammy and her husband Tim; sons, Dean and his wife Tammy, Ed and his wife Toni; grandchildren Jessie, Kenny, Tyler, Kyle, Chloe, Ryan, Ben, Katelyn, and Brian, along with his favorite "Granddog" Sophie. Open visitation will be held Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home, located at 6919 Providence Road, Riverview from 5-7 pm with the funeral service immediately following the visitation. There will be no graveside services. Flowers will be accepted at Serenity Meadows, and in lieu of flowers monetary donations can be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church, 11421 Big Bend Road Riverview. Notes of condolences can be made at Roy's website by signing his guestbook at www.roysfootprints.com. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Crematory