Sparta resident and Franklin County native Herbert Lee Ashley, 75, was born March 30, 1940 and died Feb. 13 at Saint Thomas River Park Hospital following a one-year illness.
Mr. Ashley was purchasing manager for Powermatic Corporation for 27 years, member of Central Church of Christ in Sparta, a graduate of Van Buren County High School, and veteran of the United States Army serving from 1962 to 1965. He was very active in raising money for the March of Dimes and took pride in the large amounts of money he raised. He was an avid fisherman and golfer, and loved music and to play his guitar and sing.
He was the son of the late Russell L. and Minnie Notie Mooneyham Ashley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Neal Ashley; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gordon and Dovie Simmons; brothers-in-law, Thorold Ramsey, Willie D. Nunley Jr., and Malcolm Simmons; and nephew, Patrick Ramsey.
Mr. Ashley was married Dec. 26, 1967 to Aline Ashley of Sparta. In addition to his wife, he is survived by God-children, Devin Lee (Alyssa) Simmons and Emily Alina Simmons, both of the Mooneyham community; brother, Johnny Ashley of McMinnville; sister, Notie Ramsey of McMinnville; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Reba Simmons of Tracy City, Lonnie and Virginia Deweese of Pikeville, Joe and Aline Simmons of Sparta, A.R. and Shirley Simmons of Spencer, Fred and Lynn Simmons of Chattanooga, and Inez Nunley of McMinnville; adopted brothers and sisters, Kenny and Peggy Simmons of the Mooneyham community and Rick and Betsy Eckardt of Canton, Ga.; special friends, Charlotte Ray and Venita Rutland, both of McMinnville; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service and interment was held Tuesday at Mt. View Cemetery with Dennis Deweese officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Church of Christ in Sparta.
High Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.