William Lecil "Billy" Ayers

Billy Ayers
Albany

William "Billy" Lecil Ayers died February 17, 2011 at Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center in Abilene, Texas. Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 20th at 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Albany with Rev. John Tunnell and Rev. Steve Glossup officiating. Interment will follow in the Albany Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. Visitation will be held Saturday evening, February 19th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Morehart Mortuary in Albany.
Billy was born on February 5, 1930 in Van Zandt County to Johnnie and Hazel Ayers. He grew up in Canton, Texas and graduated from Canton High School and Ranger Junior College. He served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953 and was a veteran of the Korean War. He married Frankie Scott Gray on September 18, 1954 in Lovington, New Mexico and made their home in Albany, Texas.
Billy was best known for his business, Ayers Dozer Company, which he founded in 1957. He was instrumental in forming the Albany Pleasure Riders and Rodeo Club and served as president for many years. He was scout master of Troop 255 during the 1970s and was voted Albany Citizen of the Year in 1968. Billy was a member of the Albany Masonic Lodge #482 and was awarded the prestigious honor of the Golden Trowel in 2004.
Billy was involved in the construction of many structures in Albany including the Masonic Lodge, the first high school track, the rodeo arena, softball and Little League fields, and the Albany High School baseball field. He was particularly proud of the Fort Griffin Fandangle amphitheater where he cut the audience seating out of the side of a hill and cleared and leveled the stage area. He never once charged for his service projects for his community. His life revolved around service to others, especially children. He loved his family, his horses, and his dozers. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two brothers in law, Robert David Corey and Frank Leone and granddaughter Jeni Ayers. He is survived by his sons, John Ayers and wife Lorna of Albany, Martin Ayers and wife Madeline of Abilene; foster son Philip Dodson and wife Melody of Leonard, Texas; foster daughter Norma Stephens and husband Charles of Midland, Texas; ten grandchildren, Cliff Dodson of Athens, Lana Talton and husband Mike of Midland, Chad Stephens of Midland, Scott Ayers and wife Lauren of Harker Heights, Cori Ayers of Albany, Cali Rose and husband Nick of Abilene, Abby Ayers of Albany, Leslie Hanes of Houston, Shauna Hanes of Houston, and Alyssa Ayers of Abilene; five sisters, Daphine Freeman and husband Bill of Mabank, Maxine Corey of Canton, Dana Beth Chamblee and husband Gerald D. of Mabank, Ima Jo Chaney and husband R.C. of Canton, and Mary Ruth Mitchell and husband Gary of Waxahachie; four great grandchildren and a host of nephews and nieces.
Special thanks to the staff at Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center who loved and cared for Billy for three years. Also to Sears Hospice for their loving attention. Memorials may be made to Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center or Alzheimer's Association and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Online condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.