Vernon was born on October 19, 1941, in Palestine, Texas to Vernon B. Ashley and Mary Cecelia Long. He moved to Houston with this mother when he was 2-1/2. He moved back to Palestine at age 3 and lived there until he finished high school. He attended the University of Texas in Austin for a short while but then joined the U. S. Air Force. He served in the Air Force for 4 years in the U. S. and Okinawa, Japan.
After his military service, he moved to Houston where he met his wife, Benjy, at NASA. Their first date, August 1966, was going to church and they married in November 1966.
Vernon spent several years with Stewart and Stevenson as quality assurance manager until General Electric purchased the diesel engine division in which he worked. Both companies had him traveling throughout the world. He retired in 2005 and became an energy consultant with MTB Quality. Due to health reasons, Vernon retired again in 2019.
Vernon was predeceased by his mother and father and his 9-1/2-month-old daughter, Deirdre Adele. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Benjy.
Benjy especially wants to thank Amy, Jessica, Amanda, Rusty and Pastor Tim at Harbor Hospice for their dedication through the last six months of Vernon’s illness. She also appreciates the kindness and support of her Jesus’ loving brothers and sisters.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Vernon Ashley’s name to the Building Fund of Nassau Bay Baptist Church.
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