Richard W. ‘Dick’ Ashley, Jr., age 66 of Murfreesboro died Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at his home with his family by his side. Dick was born March 7, 1942 in McDowell County, West Virginia to the late Richard W. Ashley, Sr. and Anna Josephine Howell.
Dick graduated from Lansing High School in 1959 and worked at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in West Jefferson. Dick graduated from the Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science in Ohio in 1965. He moved to Robersonville and worked at Biggs Funeral Home until December 1966, he then moved to Ahoskie and worked at Garrett Funeral Home as Funeral Director, Manager and became co-owner in 2007.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 3:00 PM in the Ashley Chapel of Garrett Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens. Dr. Jesse Croom and Rev. James Hester will officiate.
Left to cherish Dick’s memory is his daughter Yvonne A. Smith of Ahoskie, his son Richard Michael Ashley of Clayton, his sisters Patricia A. White of Horseshoe, Joyce Douglas of Sparta, his brothers Quincy R. Ashley of North Wilkesboro and Jerralld D. Ashley of Marion,VA, four grandchildren McCrae Ashley of Ahoskie, Matthew Smith of Ahoskie, Chris Smith, US Navy (currently deployed) and Jordan Ashley of Williamston and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Garrett Funeral Home. Flowers are welcome and memorials may be made to Meherrin Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, American Cancer Society , Hospice or to the charity of one’s choice.
Chuck Jones and his staff at Garrett Funeral Home-Ashley Chapel are deeply saddened at the loss of our co-owner, manager and friend. Our deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to Dick’s family.
Dad, It’s been a month now and it still seems hard to believe. Seems to be so difficult to adjust to the fact that you and mom both are gone. Thank you for the paper trail you left regarding your service–we knew we were doing the right thing. We love you and miss you. Remember your favor you promised. Love, Mike and Yvonne
I meant what I said the last time I spoke to you Uncle Dickie…I love ya and will see you later.
Bon, please know that we have been thinking of you and your family over the past several weeks. I can only imagine that the holidays were extremely hard for your family. You all have been in our thoughts and prayers. Hang in there and let us know if you need anything.
Uncle Dickie you will be missed,Our thoughts and prayers goes out to your sisters,and brothers and your family.
tracie,corey,and ashley Jarvis.
Dick was a fine man who was respected by everyone. May God bless you the family and comfort you in your loss.
JohnnieRay and Paula Farmer
I was truly saddened to hear of the death of Dick Ashley, Jr. I had the pleasure of serving some of the Garrett Funeral Home’s stationery needs and thru this I got to visit with Dick several times in recent years.
He was a true gentleman and a pleasure to have known.
My thoughts are with the family at this time.
Mike Craig, Messenger
My thoughts and Prayers go out to the family of Mr. Ashley, and the staff of Garrett Funeral Home.
We cared for you,we loved you. You have left us but your love will always be close to us brother,rest in peace ,we will join you soon. love sis & Larry
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to each member of Dick’s family. Dick was a friend of mine and he will truly be missed by many people. May God bless each member of his family.
Carolyn Martin
Dick & I shared a lot of laughs together when I worked with him.You will be missed.He was trully a friend to the public.