Charles Ashton Durham

Ashton was born on July 2, 1962, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, to George William Durham III and Nita Joye Gallman Durham. He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, where he graduated from J.L. Mann High School before attending Anderson College.

Ashton later began a wonderful chapter of his life working for TWA Airlines, where he had the joy of traveling the world and meeting people from all walks of life.

In the late 1990s, Ashton returned home to the South to lovingly care for his mother until her passing. Afterward, he made his home once again in Greenville, where he remained surrounded by family, dear friends, and the community he loved so much.

Ashton was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew him. His kindness, warmth, and quick sense of humor made him a joy to be around. He had a natural gift for making people laugh and feel at ease, and he carried a deep and steady love for his family and friends. Though his friendships stretched across the country, his heart always belonged to his South Carolina roots, especially to his beloved nieces and nephew.

He kept in close touch with his lifelong friends, sharing laughter and love with them nearly every day.

Ashton was preceded in death by his loving mother, Joye, and by many cherished pets—most especially his faithful companion, Cobi.

He leaves behind his father, George (Elizabeth); his sister, Margaret “Tess” Pearo (Patrick); nieces Malachi and Bella Joye; nephew Blake Durham; and great-niece Nevaeh, all of Greenville.

He is also survived by his brother, George William Durham IV of Asheville, North Carolina; Aunt Tamie and Uncle Stuart Dyer of Louisiana; cousins Vivian Dyer of Greenville, Denise Breazeale (David) of Florida, and Sheryl Frank (Tim) of Missouri, Dee Dee, Clay, and Andy Pope of Irmo, South Carolina. His lifelong circle of friends—Patrick Rogers, Carlton Purdie, Steve and Diane Adams, John Adams, Kim Beasley, Ira Goldberg, Ken Regnier, Ron Caron, and Steve Hyuck—all held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Mazzi, who was his constant companion.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date, with details to be shared soon. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite pet rescue organization in memory of Ashton, whose heart for animals was as big as his heart for people.