Samuel Christler Ayres Jr.

He was raised on the family farm in Lewisport, KY. He moved to Louisville in 1955 to work at General Electric, retiring in 1987. He is survived by three children, daughters Christa Dunnagan (Philip), Amy Livers (Bobby) and son Jeff Ayres (Erin); ten grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Sam was the oldest of eight siblings, Jerry, Phil, Betty Boltinghouse, Peggy Parsons, Henry (Gail), Mary Buck (Dan), and Charlotte. He is predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Rachel Jean White, who passed away in 1996. He married Rita Justice, who passed in 2007. Rita's surviving children are Marty (Lora) and Tammy, along with four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Sam loved them all.

Sam was a dedicated member of Rockford Lane Baptist Church since 1955,serving for most of those years as a deacon. Sam was active in the bus ministry, lay-led revivals and visitation programs. He enjoyed participating in dart ball, horseshoes, fast pitch softball and raising a large vegetable garden. He was close to his neighbors and enjoyed sharing life with them. His greatest passion was sharing the Gospel and serving the church.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Heady-Hardy Funeral Home, 7700 Dixie Highway, Louisville KY 40258, from 4:00 until 8:00 and at the church from 10:00 until the service.

Sam’s funeral celebration will be on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Rockford Lane Baptist Church, 2006 Rockford Lane, Louisville,KY, 40216 at 12 noon. Burial will be immediately afterwards at Evergreen Cemetery, 4623 Preston Highway.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to Rockford Lane Baptist Church.