T.W. “Red” Ayers

T.W. (Red) Ayers a long-time resident of Wolfforth, Texas passed away at approximately 1:00 am, Tuesday, February 28, 2023. At the time of his passing, his son Teddy and daughter-in-law Carla were at his side.  Red was born July 31, 1930, in Girard, Texas where he resided with his six siblings until the family moved to Ropesville, Texas in the mid-1940s.  Red was the son of a farmer.  In 1948, he joined the U.S. Navy. Red achieved the rank of Machinist Mate 3^rd Class and was assigned to the Pacific Fleet.  He was Honorably Discharged in April 1950 and returned to the South Plains of Texas.  In August 1950, Red married Bettye Teaff, a marriage that lasted 50 years and produced three children.  Over the course of the next four decades, Red Ayers became well-known and a successful member of the South Plains Agricultural community, and was recognized as South Plains Farmer of the Year.  Regardless of the weather, Red Ayers always found a way to bring in the crop and make enough to “go again” the following year.  His first wife, Bettye, preceded him in death in August 2000.  In 2001, Red married his current wife, Jean Walker Ayers.  Red and Jean continued to live a full and productive life for the next 23 years.

During his life, it can be said that Red never truly met a stranger.  He had a great sense of humor, loved a good joke, and a good story, and possessed a laugh that always lit up the room.  Red loved country music, dancing, fancy pickups, fast boats, fishing, and hunting.  He was proud of his success in farming.  In 1992, Red retired from farming, but his love of farming has been carried on by his son Teddy and his grandsons, Monte and Corey.

T.W. (Red) Ayers is survived by his wife, Jean Ayers; children, Teddy (Carla) Ayers of Ropesville, Texas, Janice Ayers of Kissimmee, Florida, Cindy Ayers of Chesapeake, Virginia; Grandsons, Monte (Amanda) Ayers of Anton, Texas, Corey (Amy) Ayers of Whiteface, Texas, and great-grandchildren, Hannah, Levi, Audrey, Emma, Nealee, Evan and Grayson. Brother, Jack Ayers of Levelland, Texas; Sister, Delores Carey of Lubbock, Texas; Step-daughter Kelli (Billy) Anderson and step-grandchildren Taylor (William) Pollard and Dusty (Hailee) Anderson.

Having lived on the South Plains of Texas for 92 years, there are many who have known him.  Regardless of at what stage of his life a person knew him, there is one thing that everyone will always agree upon… Red lived life as he saw it and in the end as Red did say “It was one heck of a party!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or First Baptist Church of Wolfforth in his honor.

The family of Tom Willard Ayers will host a gathering of family and friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, March 03, 2023, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. A service to celebrate his life of 92 years is scheduled at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. Burial will follow at Ralls Cemetery in Ralls, Texas. Please view the service broadcasting schedule, floral purchasing, and an area to share stories of Mr. Ayers with his family on this page.

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