Sammy Ayres

Died: Jan. 21, 2013

Sam "Sammy" Ayres, 67, of Moshiem, was called away to his heavenly home on Monday. He celebrated his 68th birthday on Jan. 23, in heaven with his Master and beloved mother and father.

He was a generous and special man who had a big heart. He loved serving the Lord; and he had a lot of love for life and for people.

He loved racing and spending time with family and friends.

He was a retired truck driver, who made many friends along the way.

He had been unable to attend church for the last few years, but he knew he was going to his home in heaven that was prepared for him. He was a devoted listener to the Rev. William Boyd Bingham III and actively participated in daily devotional Bible readings.

He struggled for many years but never once complained. He was a true example of what a husband and father should be. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 24 years: Cyndi Ayres of the home; four daughters: Crystal Pedige of Fayetteville, Angel Ayres and Sidney Holley of Petersburg, Karen Willett of Mosheim, and Kim Hillyer of Greeneville; two sons: Jonathan Qualls of Asheville, N.C., and James Qualls of Bulls Gap; his two "special babies": Skippy and Sheena of the home; two brothers and a sister-in-law: Duane Ayres of San Antonio, Texas, and Jerry and Glenda Ayres of the Bowmantown community; a nephew: Preston and Lara Ayres; his mother-in-law and father-in-law: Jimmie and Marguerite Harris of Bulls Gap; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Hollie and Jeff Dyer of Bulls Gap; a very special friend since pre-school years: Sam (Wilma) Carter of Whitesburg; two special friends: Linda Chappell and Doras Ayres of Mosheim; 10 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and numerous friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Sheilds and Clara Ayres, and a precious son, BJ Johnson.

The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. today at Jeffers Funeral & Cremation Service, downtown.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday in the downtown chapel with interment in Andrew Johnson National Cemetery. Pastor Troy Daily and Pastor Bob Grimes will officiate.

The Greene County Honor Guard and the Tennessee National Guard will conduct a military graveside service.

Pallbearers will be Preston Ayres, Matthew Chappell, Ballou Barrett, Bill Freeman, Jeff Dyer, and Brandon Smelcer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Carter, his sons and grandsons, and friends from his U.S. Air Force days.

An online register book may be signed at http://www.jeffersmoturary.com.