Dr. Alfred Thomas Ayscue

ROCKY MOUNT - Dr. Alfred Thomas Ayscue, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at Nash General Hospital in Rocky Mount. He was born in Franklin County, NC. Dr. Ayscue was the son of the late Robert Thomas Ayscue and Minerva Overton Ayscue. He was preceded in death by his brother, Fred Stanley Ayscue; and brother in law Raymond Alton "Skeeter" Collins. Dr. Ayscue grew up from the salt of the earth, raised on his family's farm and attending New Bethel Baptist Church in Epsom where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized in a mill pond at the age of 12. His calling into ministry began just as early, as by age 19, his awareness of the world around him became clear that ministering to others was to be his mission in life. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest College and entered the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, earning his degree in Christian Theology in 1967. His Pastorates throughout the years include the Harriet Baptist Church in Henderson, Wise Baptist Church in Wise, Pine Level Baptist Church in Pine Level, and Calvary Baptist Church in Mount Airy until his retirement in 1995. Throughout his ministry, Dr. Ayscue was a co-founder and member of the Coordinating Council of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Chairman of Friends of Missions, past President of Council on Christian Social Services, member of the State Executive Committee and State General Board, past President of the North Carolina State Baptist Convention and upon his retirement he was a Cooperative Fellowship Ambassador. In addition, he also served amongst scholarly institutions such as past Chairman for the State Southern Baptist Biblical Recorder, was a board member of Campbell University and Wake Forest University, and taught extension classes for the Southeastern Seminary. In recognition for his dedicated service and ministry excellence, Dr. Ayscue was honored by being invited to the White House by former President of the United States Jimmy Carter to attend a special briefing and then again in 1983 as a recipient of the James B. Hunt, Jr. Governor's Award. Outside of spreading the word of the Gospel, Dr. Ayscue found peace and tranquility in driving through the mountains, returning to his younger roots through gardening, or enjoying the fellowship of his friends during a round of golf. Although his ministry to others brought him great joy and meaning, it was through his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that of his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that brought the greatest joy and purpose of all, for which his legacy and memory will forever live on. Dr. Ayscue leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 68 years, Hazel Buchanan Ayscue; and daughters, Debbie Creech and Lori Phillips, all of Rocky Mount. He is also survived by his grandsons, Jeremy Creech and his wife, Mary, of High Point, Chase Phillips and his wife, Giovanna, of Wendell, and Johnathon Creech and his wife, Stephanie, of Cary; 7 great-grandchildren, Alex and Jason Creech, Isaac and Jordon Phillips, and Katelyn, Mya, and Ava Creech; sister Ellie Ayscue Collins; and sister in law Jeane Ayscue. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Dr. Jody Wright officiating. Following the ceremony, relatives and friends are welcome to visit with the family until 3:30 PM inside the Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building. A Committal Service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel of Memories Mausoleum will follow the visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dr. Ayscue's memory to Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Lakeside Baptist Church Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building 1501 Sunset Avemue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Saturday 10/12, 2:45 pm - 3:30 pm Following the ceremony, relatives and friends are welcome to visit with the family until 3:30 PM inside the Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building. Service Lakeside Baptist Church 1501 Sunset Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-0126 --> | Saturday 10/12, 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Dr. Jody Wright officiating. Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel of Memories Mausoleum 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Saturday 10/12, 4:00 pm - 4:15 pm A Committal Service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel of Memories Mausoleum will follow the visitation.