Joe Ernest Ashton Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Joe Ernest Ashton 74, died February 8, 2021 in Franklin, Tennessee. He was born October 21, 1946 in Ripley, Tennessee to James Edward Ashton and Fannie M. Clay Ashton . He was preceded in death by both parents and four siblings: James Edward Ashton Jr., Pollie M Smith, Felicia E. Turner and Martha Marcoux. Joe was educated in the Memphis Tennessee Public School System and went on to graduate from Stillman College where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. After an honorable discharge from the Army as a Pharmacy Technical Specialist, he resumed his career as a supervisory manager of General Motors Corp while attending graduate school at Central Michigan University. During his 30 years in Michigan, he became a charter member of Christ the Liberator Presbyterian Church. Joe is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Annese; two daughters Kimberly and Melanie Ashton; three grandchildren (the Joys of his life) Nicholas Ashton, Annese Gaines and Sasha Gaines; sister Mary M. Turner, brother James Thomas Ashton, Aunt Geraldine Clay, sister-in- laws, Deborah (James) Smith, Brenda (Lawrence) Hamilton, Shirley Ashton; brother-in-law Donald King and a host of cousins, nieces nephews and friends. Those who knew him welt understood 4 things about him: He was a well of knowledge for even the most insignificant historical fact; He was True to himself and Determined; and a very proud active and supporting alumnus of the Douglass High Class of 1965, Memphis, Tennessee. God, his family, tennis and old James Bond/ Clint Eastwood movies were his mainstays. He had such a resounding presence in our lives but we know that his tenacious spirit will always be with us. DUE TO COVID-19, A FACE MASK IS REQUIRED, UPON ENTRY OF THE FUNERAL HOME, TEMPERATURES WILL BE CHECKED AND PLEASE KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCE IN MIND AT ALL TIMES.

Joe Ernest Ashton

October 21, 1946 - February 8, 2021

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