Harold Dabney Ashburn

He was born on September 29, 1928, in Gwynn’s Island, Virginia, to Myrtle Easter and Arthur David Ashburn. He was known and deeply loved for his kindness, generosity, gentle strength, steadfast faith, and sincere care for all who knew him—especially his family.

Harold devoted his life to hard work, service to others, and loving those entrusted to him. He served in the U.S. Army and was a guard at the Nuremberg Trials during WWII. Following his military service, he faithfully served his community as a firefighter for thirty-seven years, and later worked as an electrician and church janitor. He lived with a true servant’s heart in all he did.

He is survived by his son-in-law, Edwin Spaetzel; grandchildren, Heather Bowling (Donald), Michael Wall (Devon), and Matthew Spaetzel (Alana); and his great-grandchildren, Kaleigh Bowling, Braxton, Tyson, and Landon Wall. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Louise Ashburn, and his daughter, Deborah Spaetzel.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Baptist Church on May 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

Flowers are welcome or in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Williamsburg Hospice House (https://williamsburghospice.org/).

Though he is deeply missed, we trust he is now held in perfect peace, embraced by the love of Christ for all eternity.