Phillip King Ayres was born on March 8, 1933 in Detroit Michigan, the son of Samuel Chrisler Ayres and Katy Lou King Ayres.  Phil grew up on the family farm in the Adair community of Hancock county.  He was the third of eight children, Sam Jr., Jerry, Betty Boultinghouse, Peggy Parson, Henry (Gail), Mary Buck (Dan) and Charlotte Hanson.

Phil attended Lewisport High School, graduated second in his class and soon after joined the Air Force.  He was stationed in Germany and flew on the B29 Super Fortress as the radio operator with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Upon returning from the service Phil attended the University of Kentucky and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for the Kentucky Highway Department for a short time then began employment with the Army Corps of Engineers in Louisville.  Here he designed and supervised the building of roads and bridges.  After a 30-year career Phil retired in 1990.

Phil was well known in his condominium community and participated in their social activities.  He liked going to horse races at Churchill Downs and of course was a big U.K. fan.  Phil enjoyed photography and had many photo albums of family gatherings and scenery from his travels in life.

Phil will be remembered most for his thoughtfulness and generosity.  His concern was for the “little man” and was generous to many worthy causes.  One gift we are aware of is his endowment for the upkeep of the Greathouse cemetery where family members are buried.  He was a gentle man as well as a gentleman.

Phil passed away on August 4, 2025 in LaGrange, KY.  Friends and family are welcome to attend a visitation in his honor on Friday, August 8th from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at Gibson & Sons Funeral Home in Lewisport.  A short service will follow.  Burial will be in Lewisport Cemetery.