Jimmy Lee Ayers, Sr.

Jimmy Lee Ayers, Sr., 79, of Houston, Texas, was welcomed into God’s care on December 7, 2025.

Jimmy was born in Blytheville, Arkansas, on November 24, 1946. He spent his life in many places he called home, including Sikeston, Missouri; Fort Myers, Florida; Sweeny and Brazoria, Texas; and most recently Houston, Texas.

Born into humble beginnings, Jimmy learned the value of hard work early in life. As a young boy, he worked in the fields alongside adults, helping harvest whatever crops were in season, and as a younger adult he often hunted and fished to help keep food on the table. Although circumstances kept him from completing a formal education, he possessed exceptional common sense, perseverance, and a true grit that guided him throughout every chapter of his life.

Jimmy spent his working years as a truck driver, mechanic, wrecker operator, and entrepreneur of his own auto repair shop, where he treated customers with honesty, integrity, and respect. He dedicated himself fully to each role until his retirement in the early 2000s. He was known for his strong will — stubborn at times — but even more for his steadfast devotion to his family. He worked tirelessly to provide for those he loved. Two of Jimmy’s greatest passions were motorsports and shooting sports. A true racing enthusiast, he found joy in drag racing, NASCAR, sprint cars — anything fast and loud. He also enjoyed time at the firing range and appreciated the skill and focus of responsible firearm use.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Rebecca Ayers; his infant son Jimmy Ayers, brothers Garry and Larry Stidham; sister Nelda Gautreaux, and Mother, Lorraine Gallimore.

Jimmy is survived by his three children, Angie Lewis and son-in-law David of Angleton, Texas, Jimmy Lee Ayers, Jr., of Houston, Texas, and Melissa Ayers of Alvin, Texas; his grandchildren, Kyla Broaddus, Kadin Broaddus and Levi Lewis; his sister, Bridget Stidham of Sweeny, and many nieces and nephews.

Although Jimmy’s racetrack may be quiet now with his passing, his family will forever cherish the memories of his love for motor sports, hearing the echo of his laughter, the roar of engines he loved to watch, but they take comfort knowing his spirit rides on, forever fast and free.

Graveside services at the Angleton Cemetery are pending and will be announced once final arrangements are complete.