David Lee Ashby

David Lee Ashby (“Dave”) of Gaithersburg, Maryland, passed away on January 16th, 2025, at the age of 76. Dave was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1948 to Charles Luen Ashby Jr., and Grace Violet (Seitz) Ashby, and was one of three brothers. Raised in Prince George’s County, he graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1966 and began his 31-year career at the National Geographic Society’s Membership Center as a publications clerk/analyst.

Dave met the love of his life, Nancy, at National Geographic in January 1970. They were married in August that same year. In December 1980, they brought their son, David Lewis, into the world.

In 1997, Dave started a second career as a cashier at Costco Wholesale in Gaithersburg. He loved working at Costco and was passionate about raising money for Children’s Miracle Network during his time there. He decided it was time to retire in 2014, after 16 years of employment.

Dave was an avid sports fan from a young age and loved baseball, basketball, football, and professional wrestling. He spent much of his free time attending MLB baseball games around the country and big events like MLB All-Star games and even a WWE Wrestlemania in New Orleans. His love of sports evolved into a love of collecting sports memorabilia and athlete/celebrity autographs, and he had amassed a large collection during his life.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Jr. and Grace, his brothers, Robert and Charles III, and his nephews, Brian and Bradley. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, his son, David Lewis, and his extended family.

Dave’s memorial gathering will take place on January 24th, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at DeVol Funeral Home at 10 East Deer Park Drive in Gaithersburg, Maryland. All are welcome to attend, please feel free to dress casually/informally.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Children’s Miracle Network in his memory:https://donate.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/