Born April 30, 1928 in Fairview, N.C. he was the son of the late William Crawford Ashley and Ruth Bell Ashley.

Mr. Ashley graduated from Saluda High School, then enlisted in the Army and served as a paratrooper. He came home to work with his father in construction; working up to attain a superintendent position with a major construction firm.

His passion was rock collecting. He loved cutting and displaying an extensive collection of gems and minerals known as the Rock and Mineral Museum in Saluda.

Survived by his wife of 57 years, Martha Coates shley; son Eric Rhoads Ashley and his wife Rhonda of Saluda; daughter Becky Anne Shropshire and her husband Troy of Saluda; daughter Myra Sue Ashley and her husband Datis Cole Jr. of Woodruff; brother Bill Ashley of Marietta, Ga.; brother Joe Ashley of Saluda; brother Darnell Ashley and his wife Kathy of Tryon; two grandchildren; Boone Phillips currently serving in Iraq and Judy Phillips of Hendersonville; and one great grandchild, Ryan Bailey.

He was preceded in death by sister Doris Thompson of Florence, S.C., and brother Frankie Ashley of Hendersonville.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2008 in the First Presbyterian Church in Saluda with Rev. Gene Witherspoon officiating.

Burial was in Saluda City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Rd., Flat Rock N.C. 28731 or the First Presbyterian Church of Saluda, Saluda, N.C. 28773.

An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel of Tryon was in charge of arrangements.

‐ paid obituary