William Johnson "Bill" Ashby

Marietta Monitor

October 4, 2002, pg 4

Submitted by: Martha N. Reddout

Services for William Johnson "Bill" Ashby, 88, of Marietta, were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 28, at Eastman Baptist Church in the Eastman community, with the Rev. David Colaw officiating.

Mr. Ashby was born March 17, 1914, in Hopkins County, Kentucky, the son of Finn and Armirelle Burnett Ashby. He died Wednesday, September 25, 2002, in Mercy Health-Love County Hospital, Marietta.

He had been a resident of Love County since July 1977. He and Lillian Oneita "Neita" Daniel were married April 5, 1953, in Grants Pass, Oregon. A truck driver, Mr. Ashby drove for several trucking companies over the years and retired in 1976 after 36 years. A World War II veteran, Mr. Ashby served in the U.S. Army from November 18, 1941 to October 24, 1945. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 4865 and also a member of the Eastman Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Lillian Oneita "Neita" Ashby of the home; three sons, Kenny Black of Marietta, Ronald Black of Minnesota and Kem Ashby of California; a sister, Mary of Kentucky; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Mr. Ashby was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; two sisters; and two half-brothers.

Pallbearers were Bill Hilton, J.C. Montgomery, Bub Williams, Ray French, Buford Rackley and Joel Berryhill. Honorary pallbearers were Jim Moody, Jack Langford, Dr. J.T. O'Connor and Elvin Stradley.

Interment was in Eastman Cemetery, under the direction of Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home, Marietta.