Michiel Alford Ashley was born into this world December 14, 1943 to Clarence Alford Ashley and Violet Jerlene (Edgmon) Ashley. My Daddy passed from this world at the age of 73 on September 18, 2017. Growing up he was tough, hardworking young man that had a love for cars and honor. He told me stories of sweeping shops to earn a nickel or helping his daddy on trucks. He joined the Marines in 1962 and his heart was forever serving. My daddy risked his life for his country and was proud to serve and be called a Marine. Semper Fi Daddy! On April 15, 1966 he married the love of his life, Delores Wyonna (Martin) Ashley. Together they had four children, Sabrina Hall, Michiel Ashley, Jr. Cynthia Reed and Randall Ashley. Daddy rarely spent time away from his family. He served his family as diligently as he served the Marines.
He spent his life working as a diesel mechanic and sacrificing for his family. My Daddy worked for the highway department and later owned his own mechanic shop B-Vers. After the shop closed Daddy worked for Westmoreland until he retired. Even his days off were spent working on something mechanical, tinkering on anything he could lay his hands on. Daddy was the jack of all trades. Any of us children knew we could go to Dad for an answer. He’d help us repair it or advise us on the path we needed to take.
Daddy was faithful to his church. He served in many ways at New Life Tabernacle under Pastor Joel Strickland and then at LifeLine Sanctuary under Pastor Nate Lawrence. He served as an usher until his illness caused him to hand the offering plate to the next generation. Pastor Nate Lawrence will officiate the funeral at LifeLine Sanctuary on Friday, September 22, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., with his viewing on Thursday, September 21, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at LifeLine Sanctuary. Burial will take place at the New Church Cemetery of Edge Community so he will be close to his home that he loved and his family which he adored.
Michiel is preceded in death by his father and mother, Clarence and Violet Ashley; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Delmos and Gladys Martin; his brother, Tracy Spencer Ashley; brother-in-law, William Robert Hazlett, Jr.; his grandchildren, Hunter, Jonathon, Nathaniel and Natalie.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories his wife of 51 years, Delores Wyonna Ashley; his sons and daughter-in-law, Michiel Alford Jr. and Holly Ann Ashley, Randall Boyd Ashley; his daughters and son-in-law, Sabrina Ann Hall, Cynthia Diane and Sean Edward Reed; his brother, Timothy Harry Ashely; his sister, Susan Elizabeth Hazlett; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Odell and Irene Martin, Ray and Barbara Martin, Eugene and Debra Martin, and Donnie Martin; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Irma Fay and Ken Matoska; his grandchildren, Michiel Ashley III, Marquel Ashley, Dustin Buckbee, Kevin Piwonka, Wyatt Piwonka, Walker Piwonka, Heather Hall, James Hall, Jr. and Joshua Hall; along with many nieces and nephews, and extended family who love and cherish his memory.
The family would like to thank and acknowledge Pathways Hospice and the many nurses and caregivers that came and helped and loved on our Daddy and our friend, as well as church family and co-workers who have supported us with prayers and compassion at this time.
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