Bobby D."Bob" Ainsworth

Bobby D. Ainsworth, “Bob,” was born to Mavis and Dewey Ainsworth of Jackson, MS, on February 6, 1936. He graduated Hinds Jr. College High School in 1954, where he was a cheerleader. He met the love of his life, Carolyn Jean Rowland, in 1955. They married in 1957 and enjoyed 65 years together before his recent parting on October 31, 2022.

Bob graduated from Millsaps College with a B.S. in Geological Engineering. He continued to the University of Mississippi and was awarded his M.S. degree in Geology in 1967. He worked as a research geologist for the U.S. Army Engineer Waterworks Experiment Station of Jackson. Bob spent ~40 years as a member of the Air National Guard. He completed pilot training in 1962 at the Air Force Training Base in Selma, AL, the first all-jet training program offered by the U.S. Air Force. While a cadet, he was recommended for the Well Done Award for a dead-stick landing he made when his twin engine jet trainer flamed out at low altitude over an Alabama swamp.

Bob and Carolyn had their first daughter, Dana, in Oxford in 1960 and second daughter, Sheri, in 1962 while living in Jackson. They then moved to Clinton, MS and had their third daughter, Mandee, in 1975. Lt. Colonel Ainsworth flew jets to many overseas bases. He was a member of the Masons and the Loyal Order of Moose in Jackson. He was President of the Jackson Jaycees and a loyal supporter of the Republican Party. He was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Creator for many years. He spent the majority of his working career in the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, Mississippi. He brought industry to the state, and he encouraged his three daughters to finish college with degrees that would allow them to be self-sufficient. Upon retirement he ventured into private businesses.

Bob was a force to be reckoned with! He came close to death many times throughout his 86 years. His larger-than-life personality, intelligence, quick wit, generosity and love of life will be greatly missed. He was kind enough to buy two daughters a pony and build another a playhouse with running water and electricity. He was also known to leave “gifts” of cicada shells on their pillows for them to find before bed. He was a passionate gardener and fruit tree grower (although not much grew fast enough for his liking…). He was a gifted musician, with a beautiful voice and nimble fingers on the trumpet, guitar, ukulele, and banjo. He loved croppy fishing, Hondas, watching the news, playing cards, dogs of every shape and size, children, good food and drink, and giving to others. He was a good man, deeply loved, and will not be forgotten.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Mavis and Dewey Ainsworth. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and his daughters Dana Page, Sheri McDonald (Gerald) and Mandee Nuttall. He is also survived by grandchildren Erica Page, Steven Page (Allie), Avery Bonham (Bryson), Ellie Nuttall and Bethany Nuttall, great-grandchildren Knox Bonham and Meira Page, cousin Michael McAlpin (Cheryl) and son Matthew, Cathy Higgins (Bobby), Jill McAlpin, Danny Joe McAlpin, and additional extended family.