Tommy Ayres

Tommy Ayres, a resident of Monkey Island, Oklahoma, departed this world on September 11, 2023, at the age of 79. He was born on September 3, 1944, in Bluejacket, Oklahoma, to the late William Leroy Ayres and Eva (Streeter) Smyth. Tommy’s life was woven with love, service, and a steadfast dedication to his family. In 1987, he married the love of his life, Sharon (Buley) Ayres. Together they spent 42 wonderful years creating memories with the loving family they built together. A hard-working and dedicated man, Tommy worked at BF Goodrich in Miami until it closed in 1986. After that, he worked as a Master Electrician for General Motors (GM) for 21 years and was a long time member of the IBEW. Tommy began his career at GM in Kansas City, after a few short years he was asked to help start up the Saturn Plant in Spring Hill, TN, where he worked until transferring to the plant in Wentzville, MO, to be closer to family in Oklahoma until he retired in 2006. Tommy loved being an electrician and fixing things. During this time, Tommy and Sharon made many trips to Oklahoma to spend time with family, as well as hosting family in these locations and taking them on many adventures creating memories that would last a lifetime. Tommy was a man of great integrity and valued a life of service. He was a proud member of the Frisco #24 Lodge for 53 years, where he was a recipient of the 50-year pin and a two time Past Master. Tommy was also the Director of Work for the Fifth Degree Team, a responsibility he assumed himself and took seriously. He was also a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason of the Tulsa Valley. Beyond his professional and service-oriented endeavors, Tommy loved to laugh and spend time creating memories with loved ones. He valued family more than anything and built his life around his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Tommy enjoyed lake life with the family and shared a passion for classic cars with his sons. He was also an avid dancer and showed off his talent on the dance floor at weddings and other events. Tommy taught us the importance of love, service, and the value in steadfast and unwavering dedication to family. His spirit will remain, and his memory will continue to inspire us all. Tommy was preceded in passing by his parents, William Leroy Ayers and Eva (Streeter) Smyth; his stepson, Travis Whiting; and grandson, Kyle Kelly. Those left to share his memory include his wife, Sharon (Buley) Ayres; daughter, Shari Murphree and her partner Roxy of Grove, Oklahoma; sons, Ed Ayres and his wife Portia of Fairland, Oklahoma, and Michael Ayres and his wife Mary of Carl Junction, Missouri; stepchildren, Kim Antonelli and her husband Frank, Erica Whiting and her partner Steve; and his brother, JW Ayres. Grandchildren include Brandi Payton and her husband K.J., Isabel Whiting, Gregory McGirt, Tony Ayres, Thomas Ayres and his wife Emma, Jack Ayres, Dylan Ayres, Heather Mitchell, Lydia Antonelli, Nicholas Horner, Kristen Thorndyke and her husband Gareth, and Ashton Sullivan. Great Grandchildren, Vlad, Victor, Carl, Miah, and Kylen. Services will be 11:00 A.M. September 23, 2023, at the First Assembly of God in Fairland, Oklahoma with Pastor Jackie Crafton officiating. Private interment will take place at Bluejacket Cemetery. Services have been placed in the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairland. Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Mr. Ayres’ Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.

Tommy Ayres

September 3, 1944 - September 11, 2023