Billy Santford Ashley

Bill S. Ashley, 87, a 50+ year Southwest Washingtonian, passed away peacefully on November 11th, 2025, after a brief stay in Hospice at The Residences of Thomas House. Bill was born September 29, 1928 in a small town in Yadkin County, North Carolina to William and Nettie Ashley. He was the youngest of six children and is preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and one brother. The surviving family includes numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

Over the last year, Bill was diagnosed with bladder cancer and most recently complications of his heart. For a man never sick nor hospitalized, not even at birth, never prescribed any medications until he was 85 years old, he handled this diagnosis head on with complete positive attitude and determination. The cancer diagnosis and treatment took a toll on his heart and ultimately, he was simply not able to carry on the fight.

Being the first in his family to attend college, he attended Appalachia State University in Boone, NC where he earned a teaching degree. He took on his first teaching job in Portsmouth, Va as he would anything else new to him, as an adventure and he never looked back at leaving his small town. In 1960 Bill moved to Georgetown and began teaching Business Education at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria Va until retirement in 1993. He was instrumental in matching students to jobs and was proud to know many of those students still work at the same workplace. Continuing to satisfy his desire for knowledge he attended The University of Maryland, The University of Washington and ultimately received his doctorate in education.

However, Bill would say the most meaningful education was received through his absolute passion for travel. He was a most active member of the Circumnavigators Club, whose members are required to have circled the world in one trip, when did more than once. Also, as a member of the Greater Washington DC Chapter of the Travelers Century Club, he would have traveled to more than 100 countries, which he accomplished. In fact, he traveled to every country with the exception of 15 countries in Africa, where there is conflict. He was also a member of the local Prime Timers Club, SW Village and the Alexandria City Retirees Association.

Traveling the United States and the world for more than 60 years rewarded him with experiences not only visiting the many countries but he also made lifelong friends along the way. In his latest edition book, The Diary of a Compulsive World Traveler, reading his travel journal is as if you are sitting with Bill having a comfortable conversation. Not only did he have a keen eye for photography, but he also had a brilliant memory. You may have seen a random photograph on his wall, in one of his well-loved photo albums or on a loop at his computer screen and he easily recalled the place, the date, the experience and tell you what page in his book this trip was written about. If asked his favorite place he had traveled, he would quickly say "There are so many wonderful places I have been, however, ultimately there is no place like home!". He was proud of living in Washington and after every trip he would come home and look at the monuments, buildings and city lights and still be mesmerized.

A heart for volunteering around the city was evident by the many years he spent with the Kennedy Center, where he was a Centennial Circle Founding member; National Opera Studios where he might be found on stage in an extravagant costume and play a role, the White House Historical Society, Food and Friends, the Full Circle Society and Arena Club at Arena Stage.

And then there is Christmas! My goodness at the Christmas parties at Bill Ashley's home!!! These had the potential of a book itself. Somewhere along the way maybe a notebook written in shorthand will uncover itself and The Diary of a Compulsive Christmas Party Host could be published. The stories would entertain us for years to come. If you were fortunate enough to have attended his extravagant Christmas in July celebration on the Mall lawn where the Native American Museum now stands, you had quite the experience. As a matter of fact, you may just find the Washington Post article from 1993 with a quick online search.

Bill Ashley lived life to the absolute fullest with zero regrets. He lived well and loved well and was a significant part of his family's and friend's lives. May we all carry forward his legacy with the same spirit or experiences and love for life that he so beautifully embodied.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice. A private burial will take place at Congressional Cemetery.