Ashton Stone Kelley

On a breezy mild-tempered summer day in San Diego California, a sailor stopped the USS America Naval Ship in its tracks, as hundreds of fellow shipmates stormed the hospital. On this day June 10, Ashton Stone Kelley, a valiant young man that touched many, gave his hand to the Lord.

Ashton will always be endeared as a loving spirit who devoted 100% of his time and energy to fighting for his country; and inspiring his family and friends. Ashton was born on November 29, 1994 in Jackson Mississippi and moved to Birmingham Alabama when he was 5 years old. Ashton was a 2013 graduate of Thompson High School. Ashton enlisted in the United State Navy in November of 2012 and was stationed in San Diego, California on the USS America LHA 6. He was a member of Homewood Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama.

At a very early age, Ashton had a calling to play soccer. Upon arrival in Birmingham, Ashton became acutely interested in the sport. During Ashton’s tenure as a youth soccer player, he earned the “golden boot” award multiple times. He continued his love for soccer playing on travel teams, and on the Thompson High School soccer team.

As a young boy, with the calling of the Lord, Ashton encapsulated what it meant to be a true Christian.

He loved many by offering his guidance and soulful words to loved ones that stretched from his family and friends in Birmingham to his fellow shipmates in the United States Navy. Ashton was impervious to color, creed, age, and disabilities. He embodied the true spirit of selflessness and humility, with an infectious smile and prose that was unique and endless.

Ashton was the true definition of a “family man”. The Christmas tree was only to be decorated with all family involved, and his favorite “old time” Christmas movies playing while ornaments were hung and jolly was shared. As an avid LSU Tigers fan, Ashton would make sure that his family would be adorned in purple and gold each Saturday for the football games. As a U.S Navy Sailor, Ashton would always make time during his strenuous schedule to make precious phone calls to his cousins Mason, Trent, and Leslie; and to his sister Tara; and to his grandmother Merita during her cancer treatments. He was the mentor of this close-knit family.

Ashton had an immense yearning for a certain southern belle, Brittany Parker. They were high school sweethearts that truly embodied what “love” means to a couple. The two of them were engaged to be married on July 18, 2015.

Ashton S. Kelley of Alabaster, Alabama is survived by: his mother Misti Wilson and her husband Stewart; father Evan Kelley and his wife Michelle of Foley, AL; sister Tara Dill and her husband Bran of Alabaster, AL; half-brother Reagan of Alabaster, AL; step-brothers Tyler, Tanner, and Morgan of Alabaster, AL; grandparents Donnie and Merita Bane of Pearl, MS; grandparents Lamar and Mary Kelley of Fairhope, AL; along with numerous Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins.

Funeral visitation is Friday, June 19th, 5:00pm until 8:00pm. at the Homewood Church of Christ, Birmingham AL. Funeral is at 1:00pm Saturday, June 20th at the Homewood Church of Christ, Birmingham AL; followed by burial at the Montevallo National Cemetery in Montevallo AL.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Foundation in honor of ABFAN Ashton S. Kelley.

Ashton S Kelley, a true hero to both country and family, was the light that brought so many out of the darkness! With many tears and smiles, we give great joy and privilege to present this outstanding gentleman to walk hand-in-hand with the Lord. Amen

Arrangements under the direction of Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel, Birmingham, AL.