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Richard Ayres Obituary
Dick was an intelligent and witty individual with a great sense of humor. He was known for his religious devotion and held strong beliefs throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones.
Dick is survived by his beloved spouse, Betsy Ayres, their sons Stephen and Joel Ayres, and their daughter Mattie Porter, as well as four cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Sue Baillie and Ginny Sedlacek.
Dick received his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Pittsburgh, before dedicating 28 years of his life to the Air Force. He served as a career intelligence officer and excelled in his field. Throughout his service, he earned master's degrees at the Naval Postgraduate School and the Marine War College. Dick retired as a Colonel and received a Bronze Star for his leadership and actions during the Kosovo War. He was recognized as an expert in nuclear and Middle Eastern affairs, and some of his favorite assignments included his time at SHAPE Belgium, leading the Joint Analysis Center at Molesworth, and as the Wing Commander of the 17th Training Wing at Goodfellow AFB, TX.
Outside of his military career, Dick had various hobbies that brought him joy. He enjoyed reading, off-roading in his Jeep, playing with his dogs, and target shooting.
A private graveside service will be held in the Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, TN, to honor Dick's life.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, a cause Dick held dear to his heart.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Ayres family during this difficult time. May Dick's memory be a source of comfort and strength to all those who knew and loved him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Ayres
Paul Giannini
September 11, 2023
What a gift Dick was to our Life Group! Dick challenged us to really know and share the love of Jesus! One night at the Life Group Dick asked each of us to share how we came to know, really know, Jesus as our LORD and Savior. Once all 12 finished sharing, that was a HOLY moment, and the group became a family! Now our brother, Dick, is seeing the face of our Savior Jesus and one day we’ll be together again in the family of GOD!!!
Lonnie Griffith
September 8, 2023
Betsy,
I enjoyed my tour at Goodfellow. Both you and Dick welcomed Bobbie Jo and I from day one and made us feel part of the team. It sadden me to hear about DIck's passing. I will be praying for you and your family. God Speed!
Lonnie
Irwin Culbreth
September 8, 2023
Dick my freind rest in peace. It was my pleasure to sit beside you in choir and paticipate in the Life Group together where you shared great Biblical wisdom and knowledge. Now you will be singing in the Heavenly choir and sharing your knowledge with those that have gone before and those that join with you later. Jesus will surely say well done my good and faithful servent.
Bobbie Jo Griffith
September 8, 2023
Oh Betsy I was so very sorry to hear about Dick´s passing. Kim shared it with me since we aren´t FB friends and I hadn´t seen it. I will be praying for you and the family. I still think fondly if y´all as we are still here in San Angelo(15 years laters and counting).
Pastor Travis Hines
September 5, 2023
I have such love, admiration, and gratefulness for Dick. In the three years that I knew him -- too few! -- he significantly encouraged me, demonstrated wisdom and compassion, and brought laughter. Dick loved (and still loves) Jesus deeply and understood the life-giving value of God's word. I understand the heart of the Father better for having known Dick. And Betsy, is beloved wife, remains dear to all our hearts.
Abba, Father, Dick belongs to you!
Bryan Zwanzig
September 5, 2023
Prayers for the family. It was great to worshiped with Dick and Betsy at Immanuel over the years. I enjoyed talking to him about the Cold War and his interest in the Cold War Museum at Vint Hill Farms Station. Karen and I send our prayers to Betsy and family in this time of grief and loss.
Mike and Brid Riley
September 5, 2023
Very sad news. What a great man. He will be missed by his family, his friends and those that had the honor to work with him. God bless you, Dick
Cathleen Giannini
September 4, 2023
Though I didn’t get to know Dick well until the last 2 to 3 years, he and Betsy made a huge impact on our lives. We were in a home group at church together. I cherished my talks with Dick before group started. What a fascinating man!!! And so funny! His love of our Lord Jesus was captivating and contagious. His knowledge base of the scriptures, languages and history was one like I had never seen in my life. We have missed he and Betsy so very much. Now he is with his Saviour and we grieve and celebrate simultaneously.
Trevor Sitch
September 3, 2023
It was my honour and privilege to serve with Dick at The Supreme Headquarters Allied Forces Europe (SHAPE). Always fun to work and socialise together.
We would always joke at each other´s national customs and differences of humour as well as the `British Stiff Upper Lip Attitude´ and `mis spelling´ of our shared written English.
We spent hours of jogging together and during that time we exchanged many amusing experiences.
Dick was a highly professional Air Intelligence Officer but was ready at all times to listen and consider the British point of view.
Rest on Peace Dick and thank you for the great 2 years serving together in Belgium.
Chrissy joins me in our condolences to you Betsy and to your family.
Trevor Sitch
UK Officer (retired) RAF
Joel and Eileen Leine
September 3, 2023
We are deeply sorry to hear about Dick's passing. May God be with you and comfort you during this difficult time.
Wendy and Tim Paige
September 2, 2023
We are sorry to hear about Dick's passing.
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