Robert Ayala, 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 10, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on July 23, 1930 in Dallas, Texas to Juanita (Hernandez) and Rafael Ayala, who preceded him in death.

A natural born servant, he enlisted in the Army in December 1948, where he valiantly fought in the Korean War and the Chosin Reservoir Battle, earning both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with Valor for his heroism.  He courageously led his Army unit, the 7 ^th Infantry Division, to safety and was instrumental in his unit being awarded the Presidential Unit Citation in June 2000.

After proudly serving the country which he loved so much, he returned to the United States and met the love of his life, Anita Gutierrez, whom he married on November 27, 1954, and with whom he recently celebrated 65 years of marriage.  In the early years of their marriage, Robert enjoyed taking Anita to festive occasions, where they would listen to Tejano and country music and dance the night away.  Together, they raised a large family at their home in Oak Cliff; and, theirs was the home where the neighborhood kids gathered for ice cream, watermelon and other treats that Robert would bring home.  Known for his tremendous generosity, Robert was also the person that many turned to in times of need.  When he needed a little R&R, Robert enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing poker with his buddies.  In his later years, Robert enjoyed his many trips to Louisiana and then "driving north" to the casinos.  During the last several months of his life, you would often find Robert playing solitaire or enjoying a game of dominoes with his family.

Shortly after marrying Anita, Robert attended Dallas Vocational School for training in auto body repair and began his 40+ year career in this field.  Having honed his talent at Doran Chevrolet and Taylor Pontiac, he decided to venture out on his own and opened Robert Ayala's Paint & Body Shop on McKinney Avenue.  The shop was not only his livelihood, but the place where he made many life-long friendships.   Because he enjoyed cooking and often did so at the shop, and because he was so generous, Robert was known to invite his customers to join him for lunch.  This simple act of generosity led to an unexpected relationship with some of the most prominent local figures within the District Attorney's Office, Drug Enforcement Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Central Intelligence Agency and many other judicial and law enforcement agencies.  For years, the body shop, with Robert as the head chef, hosted private parties for this ever-growing group, allowing these high-profile figures to gather in an inconspicuous setting.  Robert treasured these friendships well into his retirement years.

Upon retirement, Robert became actively involved with several military organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Chosin Few.  He also volunteered at the Veteran's Administration Medical Center, with the Marines' Toys for Tots Program, and served on the Greater Dallas Veterans' Council.  He worked diligently on the committee that brought the Veteran's Day Parade back to Dallas after many years of absence and the committee that brought the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery to North Texas.  He also advocated on behalf of many Korean War veterans to help them understand and receive their benefits.  He traveled across the United States attending conferences, reunions and visiting comrades from his Army days.  He received numerous awards and extensive recognition for his service to others—far too many to mention here, enough to cover several walls and fill many shelves.

This past summer, Robert was diagnosed with both lung and bladder cancer.  Due to his advanced age, he decided not seek treatment and to live out his final months at home surrounded by his family and loved ones.  His daughter, Alice "Polly" Leal, served as his primary caretaker.  His children will be forever grateful for the loving and gracious care that she provided and for the countless hours she spent taking him to doctor's appointments, running errands and being his chauffeur.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by 7 siblings: Rafael Ayala; Richard Ayala; Eliseo Ayala; Mary Ramirez; Manuel Ayala; Alice Ruiz; and Isabel Gauna.

In addition to his wife, Anita, he is survived by his 10 children: Robert Ayala (Lily); Anita Chavez; Rose Rojo; Linda Williams (Richard); Robert Ayala (Juanita); Albert Ayala; Sylvia Najera (Jaime); Alice Leal; Corina Ayala; and Rosanna Aguero (Albert).  Additionally, 28 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren survive him.  Surviving siblings are Berta Leija, Sarah Barrientos, Daniel Ayala and Mary Helen Gonzalez.  Also surviving him are numerous nieces and nephews and a countless number of friends who considered Robert their mentor and hero.

Robert's tremendous work ethic, legacy of generosity and service to others has touched many lives and will be truly missed.

Visitation will be from 5:00PM to 9:00PM, Tuesday, December 17th, 2019 with a Rosary Service at 6:30PM at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church , 4015 S. Hampton, Dallas, TX 75224.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 18th, 2019 at 9:30AM, at the Church. Military Honors and Interment will follow at Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.