Jonathan "Jon" Don Ashley

Jonathan Don Ashley, 39, of Holly Springs, North Carolina, died at home on August 30th, 2026, surrounded by his wife, Cynthia, and his daughter, Jada. He was a loving husband who made his family feel safe, a caring father, and an Army veteran.

He was born April 2nd, 1987, in San Pedro, California. Growing up, he played soccer and worked on his dad’s fishing boats at PierPoint Landing. He enlisted in the United States Army in 2006 and served as an infantryman, deploying to Iraq in 2008–2009 with the 1st Infantry Division, “the Big Red One,” and to Afghanistan in 2011–2012 with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, “the Wolfhounds,” of the 25th Infantry Division. He was a SAW gunner and manned turrets during patrol missions. He earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, among other decorations recognizing his courage, service, and sacrifice. He committed his life to Christ after returning from Afghanistan, and his faith carried him through the years that followed.

After the military, he chose to work as a stay-at-home dad to care for the kids and the home, to build a beautiful life filled with memories, support, laughter, and love. As the kids got older, he worked as a field technician to ensure safety for new construction in the Raleigh area. In September 2023, he was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer related to burn pit exposure during his time deployed. Like his time in service to our nation, he fought with strength, courage, and resilience to the very end. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.

He had a lifelong love of animals and an encyclopedic knowledge of ocean life. He kept a reef tank, loved documentaries, and could tell you more about animals than anyone, and he was always glad to. He was also always eager to jump into any project or adventure (after a cup of coffee — a must for him) and could make even the most difficult moments easier and memorable. You could always look back and laugh when he was involved. He just had that light about him.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Ashley, of Holly Springs, North Carolina; his children, Jada, Laura, Kaylie, and Caleb Ashley; his father, Robert Don Ashley, of Long Beach, California; and his brothers, Richie and Jamie Ashley of Long Beach, California, and Terry Lacy of Denver, Colorado; and many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Laura May Lacy, and his aunt, Lorrie Lacy.

A reception will be held from 11:00am to 12:45pm on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm.

A private, family burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Semper Fi & America's Fund (https://thefund.org/donate/) and/or the US 27th Infantry Regimental Historical Society (https://wolfhoundpack.org/).

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." — John 15:13