Joseph Franklin Ashley

One day you will read in the paper that I am gone, but don't you believe it. I will be more alive than I am now. It will be my graduation day. Faith has become vision as I stand in the presence of the Lord. Then I will look upon His face, the one that has died in my place. All the hope and promises of His Word have come into perfect focus as I bow down before the King of Kings, Lord of Lord!!!! Faith will have become vision and all Heaven is mine with him!!! - Reverend Joe Ashley 2004.

Joseph Franklin Ashley returned to his heavenly home on September 12, 2015 at his home in Abby Park retirement senior living community Grand Blanc, Michigan. Joe's devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him and ultimately gave him peace. Joe was born to the late Raymond Ashley and Lizzie Mae Ashley (Emery) in Ware Shoals, South Carolina, July 7, 1925. Joe was a Lithograph operator for the Detroit News. He was active member and Minister for the Freewill Baptist Denomination, member of Great Lake Baptist Temple in Flint, Michigan and a former member of North Warren Free Will Baptist Church. Joe was a World War II veteran serving three years in the Navy earning several medals including the Asiatic Pacific with 8 stars. Joe served on the USS Essex, USS Montgomery and the USS Bremerton. Joe is survived by his wife of six years, Dora Black Mayo Ashley, whom he met and married at Abby Park. Son, Ronald Ashley (Kathy) of Clearwater, Florida, Son, Joseph Ashley (Annette) of Waterford, Michigan, Daughter, Shirley Gray (Dave) of Holly, Michigan, Stepson Donald Mayo ( Kathy) of Holly, Michigan, 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grand children. Joe is preceded in death by his wife Ruth Mae Ashley (Keaton) of 62 years of Pontiac, Michigan and Brother William Carlton Ashley of Greenwood South Carolina. Joe will be dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate in the fact that he is at peace with his creator. Funeral services will be held 12 noon Thursday, September 17, 2015 at the Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, MI with Rev. Curtis Lilly, Rev. George Johnson and Pastor Dave Chittenden officiating. Interment at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Visitation 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm Wednesday and 11 am to 12 pm Thursday at the funeral home. The family gratefully declines flowers. Prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted with donations to: The Medical Team Hospice, 4400 S. Saginaw Street, Suite 1300, Flint, MI 48507. Share your condolences with the family at www.hillfh.com