Dr. Randall Dwight Ayers, age 66, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at his home. He was born on May 22, 1947, in Douglas, Ala. to O. Dwight and Louise Montgomery Ayers.
Randall grew up in Sand Mountain, Ala. After high school, he attended the University of Alabama where he received a degree in Chemistry and later completed medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1973. His years of post-graduate training prepared him to settle down in Tuscaloosa where he practiced rheumatology and touched countless lives. He was a dedicated doctor for 35 years and was devoted to his patients who he considered family.
Randall was a Fellow of The American College of Physicians and also Fellow of American College of Rheumatology. He served on the Medical Assurance of Alabama Board on both the Physicians Claims and Underwriting Committee and also the Committee for Continuing Medical Education for 33 years. Randall was currently appointed as Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Alabama, College of Community Health Sciences. To say that Randall was a brilliant doctor would be an understatement. These were just a few of his distinguished honors, certifications, academic appointments, and professional society activities throughout his career, but he was most proud of his title of "PawPaw," given by his granddaughter, Lauren.
Randall was a former Deacon and active member of First Presbyterian Church, Tuscaloosa, where he enjoyed his weekly Men's Prayer Breakfast, made multiple trips to Kenya to assist in bringing clean water to the Tumutumu hospital, and volunteered within Tuscaloosa County with Habitat for Humanity.
Randall cherished every moment with his family and friends. His laugh was unmistakable and his heart genuine. He loved teaching Lauren how to hunt and looked forward to his annual South Dakota hunting trip with the "Alabama Boys." He was an avid outdoorsman and his passion for training his Labradors won him several Master National Hunter awards. Randall was always working in his garden and recently added the title of Beekeeper to his list of accomplishments. He loved nothing more in this world than his wife, Jeannie. They enjoyed life to the fullest together and had many great adventures. Randall was a good man and you were lucky to call him friend. We shall love and cherish our memories of him all our days.
He is survived by his wife, Jeannie; his son, Robert Gambrell and wife Erica; his granddaughter, Lauren; his sister, Linda Lacks; his nephews, Scott (Christy) and Chad Lacks; and numerous other relatives, including the only person who could keep "Doc" in line, Mrs. Lola Gay. His longtime nurse and best friend, Judy Moore, worked by his side for 33 years.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. today, July 12, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa. A visitation will be held immediately following the memorial service at First Presbyterian Church. Pastor Charlie Durham will lead the service. Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Kenyan Mission Fund, First Presbyterian Church, 900 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
Condolences may be offered at www.heritagechapeltuscaloosa.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 29, 2013
Latonya Woods
Dr.Ayers made me feel better about everything. I know a lot of people don't look forward to seeing a Dr. but I was excited to go each time. I pray that his family finds comfort and strength to deal with the loss of a compassionate and loving soul.
July 28, 2013
Patricia Richardson
Dr Ayers was the only doctor that was able to diagnose my condition over 20 years ago(Lupus)and I remained his patient. He was a very compassionate doctor who over time became a friend. He will be truly missed and my prayers go out to his family.
July 26, 2013
Valarie Bethea
He was my doctor for the last 15 yrs. I appreciated him and will miss him more than any words can express!
July 23, 2013
Tinalania Watkins
Dr. Ayers will truly be missed! He was an outstanding doctor and helped his patients any way he could. God has a plan for us all, Our sorrow that Randall was taken so soon from us but he is rejoicing with the Lord. He treated my Mother and I for many years.
July 17, 2013
Phyllis Parker
To Mrs. Ayers & Family, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Ayers. He treated my mother, my sister, Regina Parker Brand, & finally me. He was a compassionate man, who surprised me constantly with information pertaining to my condition, PMR...Polymylagia Rheumatica. Please know that you & your Family are in my prayers. Phyllis A. Parker
July 17, 2013
Darwin Zerfoss
We will truly miss Randall here in South Dakota for our annual pheasant hunts. Randall and the "Bama" boys have become a part of our family. He is the true definition of a southern gentlemen.Jeannie our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family
July 16, 2013
Wendy Bramlett
I was so shocked and very saddened to hear about Dr. Ayer's passing. He had been doctor for many years and he was wonderful. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was a wonderful man and an excellent doctor.
WendI was so shocked and very saddened to hear about Dr. Ayer's passing. He had been doctor for many years and he was wonderful. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was a wonderful man and an excellent doctor.
July 16, 2013
Carla Whitten Bedwell
Saddened to learn about Dr. Ayers. God sent me to him several years ago for my severe lupus and other autoimmune issues. He promised at that time to keep me going, and I don't think I would have made it this long without him. One of the most brilliant doctors I've ever known, and such a humanitarian.
My prayers and my deepest sympathy for his family and friends. God bless.
July 15, 2013
Gena & Tommy Kilgore
Jeannie, Randall was a great Doctor and he will be missed. We have a friendship that I hope we will always feed. My love and prayers to you and your family at this time. Gena and Tommy Kilgore
July 15, 2013
Hope Thomas
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Ayers. I have been under his care for the last two years and never have I encountered a Doctor with such a kind, caring bedside manner. My thoughts and prayers go out to the surviving family, as well as the dedicated office staff. Truly a loss here on earth, but a definite gain of an extraordinary angel in Heaven. Rest in peace my beloved Dr. Ayers...
July 15, 2013
Wendy Barrett
I was so shocked and so saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Ayers. He was my doctor for several years and helped me tremendously with both of my auto-immune diseases. He helped me when no one else could. He truly cared about my condition and how I felt. I am so thankful that God placed him in my life. I dont know what I would have done without him. He always had a smile on his face and had a wonderful personality. I will miss him greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
July 14, 2013
Jeannie - You're in my thoughts and prayers. Love you - Shanon Price Lyles
July 14, 2013
Sandra Burgess Teal
Randall and I went to High School together. I always knew he was headed for greatness because of his giving nature and his wonderful mind. His dad and my dad were great friends. I am in
prayer for you, Linda and her boys and
his beloved granddaugher. He was a fine man and I am so honored to have known him
July 14, 2013
Joe Teal
I was a high school classmate and friend of Randall. No surprise that he became Dr. Ayers. He was a brilliant person who obviously achieved much in his life and through his medical genius improved the lives of a countless number of people. I am sorry to hear of his passing and offer my condolences and prayers to his wife and other family members.
Joe Teal
July 14, 2013
Nancy Walker
Dear Mrs. Ayers, I don't know you but your husband was a wonderful man he help me with my RA and I know you all will miss him and I will miss him too. I am so very sorry for your lose. You and your family is in my prayers and thoughts.
July 13, 2013
Gary and Judy Springsteen
We were saddened to hear of Dr. Ayers passing. We have lost one of the few caring doctors. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
July 13, 2013
Pat Beatty
As a rheumatoid arthritis patient, I have been seeing Dr. Ayers every two months for the last 14 years. I always left having learned something new and having enjoyed a laugh with him. What a fine doctor and a wonderful human being! He should have had so many more years for his family and for us.
July 13, 2013
Laura Parsons
Mrs. Ayers, I don't know you, but I wanted to say how sorry I was to see that Dr. Ayers has died. He was my mother, Joan Parsons', doctor, and he was wonderful. I loved the way he really listened to her first, and then let me put in my two cents' worth (Mom has COPD, and forgets things). Mom always loved Dr. Ayers' beautiful shirts and remarked on them every time we saw him. Mom just went in a nursing home today, but I had hoped she would be able to be his patient once again. He was a remarkable doctor, and quite evidently, a remarkable gentleman in all the best senses of that word. I am sorry for your loss, and that of your family.
July 12, 2013
Jamonica "Lynn" Downing
Dear Mrs. Ayers,
To say that I am sorry for your lose just doesn't say enough. I thank God for sending me Dr. Ayers. I give God the glory for my now good health, but He used Dr. Ayers as His instrument. He was my doctor for about 14 years and always treated me with compassion and understanding. When the choices in my life were taken away, he gave me options and allowed me to make decisions about my course of treatment. That helped me feel like I still had some say so about my life. He was an interesting and caring man and I am blessed to have known him. God bless you and keep you.
July 12, 2013
Jerold Zerfoss
Jeannie, the sorrow I share with you is incomprehensible, I can't imagine him not being here for pheasant hunting this fall. What a great friend and I will cherish his friendship as long as I am on mother earth. Gods blessing with you and your family
July 12, 2013
Jeannie,
I am so sorry for your sudden loss..May our Father above help you through these coming days..I have emailed DeDe in India..She will be so sad to hear of this news..He will be Greatly missed..Just a wonderful Doctor..you both were so good to my daughter..
Becky Jones/Dede Shajan
July 12, 2013
Jean Edgeworth
Mrs. Ayers I don't know you personally, I am Doyle's Mother Iknow that Doyle and Dr.Ayers had great times hunting and enjoying each other company. My prayers are with you and the family.
July 12, 2013
Glenda
Jeannie, I was so shocked and stunned when I opened the paper and saw Randall's obituary. I will never forget when we lost Brenda and I came outside the funeral home and there you were for me. I love both of you and if there is anything I can do.........please call. I will contact you soon, but if you need me call anytime. Love, Glenda and will be praying for you.
July 12, 2013
Loretta Felts
Jeannie, my sympathy goes out to you and your family. May God grant you peace and comfort during the most difficult days ahead. Dr. Ayers truly was a remarkable man. Our young grandson, Christian always loved coming to see your chickens and gather the eggs for y'all to.count together . He loved the pond and your dogs. More than anything he wanted to get into that new awesome pool y'all had put in and the little fish pond doc flowed down the end of the pool. He LOVED coming to visit whenever we would come to Chip's house. He was a wonderful doctor to myself and my daddy. Daddy thought the world of doc and doesn't know what in the world he is going to do without him. Just know Jeannie, that you are loved. Put your trust and faith in God and totally lean on Him and His Word. Keeping you close on thoughts and prayers.
Loretta Hubbard Felts
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
July 12, 2013
Jeannie and family...my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have been blessed to call him a friend and remember fondly the great conversations we shared "out back". We talked often of God's plan and I'm assured to see him again. Donna Berryhill, Athens, AL
July 12, 2013
Vonda James
GOD makes no mistakes...Dr. Ayers you will always be my "HERO DOCTOR" and I know that you are in heaven smiling and shining bright like a star. Jeannie, may GOD wrap his arms around you and cover you with STRENGTH! Dr. Ayers, you will be missed....but NEVER FORGOTTEN!!
July 12, 2013
Jennie our prayers go out to you and your family, that includes your extended family of your staff at the clinic. Dr. Ayers will be greatly missed. Travis and Linda Burnham LaVernia, TX
July 12, 2013
Brenda Skelton
Dr Ayers you were so loved and respected by my husband Kenny He has suffered from rheumotrid arthritis for over 30 years but wanted no one else but dr ayers and miss Judy . He was a great doctor out community has suffered a great loss
July 12, 2013
Gerda Byrd
Jeannie, words cannot express the way I feel about your husbands passing. I met him the first time outside the Feed and Seed store and I fell in love with his personality. I can imagine how you feel at this time having been there myself. I am here for you if you want to talk. Charlie always said that Dr. Ayers was a true genius. Charlie loved him with all his heart. I will pray for you from now on knowing what is yet to come for you. It will take a long time to heal from this tremendous loss in your life. I am speaking from experience. If you need anything -- I am here for you-- I cannot express how sorry I am! I love you very much and always have. You are a beautiful human being inside and out. Gerda Byrd
July 11, 2013
Mark Montgomery
Randall you made your family extraordinarily proud by your accomplishments and your life's mission devoted to caring for your fellow man as a healer. I know you are now reunited with your mom and dad, Heaven is a richer place with your eternal presence. Your cousin, Mark
July 11, 2013
Jeanie & Dr. Ayers, Thanks for many years of great medical care and some wonderful memories. Jeanie, May God wrap His healing arms around you and comfort you. In my prayers and all my love, Ola Faye Connell
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