Eugene (Gene) Edward Ashley
Gene Ashley (affectionately known as “Poppi”), 71, of Lovingston, Virginia entered his eternal home on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, surrounded by his loving family, following a brief illness. Gene was born on May 27, 1950 to the late Lunsford and Nancy Hale Ashley. He was predeceased by his son Christopher Eugene Ashley.
Gene had been an avid farmer since childhood on the Ashley Family Farm. He took great pride in carrying on the tradition passed down to him by his father and grandfathers. He instilled that same passion for farming in his own children and grandchildren. Because of this, the Ashley Family Farm was recently designated a Century Family Farm.
Gene retired from Mountain Cove Orchards as the Farm Manager and most recently from Calvary Baptist Church as the Facilities Manager. He was a proud member of Calvary Baptist Church where he served in many capacities. He was also a Lifetime Member of the Lovingston Volunteer Fire Department where he was honored to served his community for 25 years. In his free time, he loved to hunt, fish, socialize with friends and spend time with family. He brought great joy to others with his quick wit, sense of humor, and warm smile. His greatest joys in life were his love of Jesus and his family.
He leaves behind to treasure his memory, his wife of almost 51 years Debby Hall Ashley, daughters Stacy Ashley Higgins (Kevin) of Greenwood, Sharon Ashley Aldridge (Stuart) of Shipman, son Garrette Lee Ashley (Heather) of Charlottesville and his seven grandchildren Eli, Chris, Reid, Elsie, Luke, Parker and Emersyn Jeane. He is also survived by his siblings Mary Carroll (Reese) of Buckingham, Herbert Ashley (Karen) of Charlottesville, Wayne Ashley of Lovingston, Lynn Ashley of Shipman, Diane Bridgwater (Billy) of Lovingston, his aunts Dallas Ann Allen of Richmond, Gloria Ashley of Lovingston, Betty Hale of Lovettsville and countless extended family members.
A funeral service will be held Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church in Lovingston, Virginia with Pastor Jeremy Humphrey and Pastor John P. Campbell officiating followed by interment at Mountain View Cemetery (Lovingston). A time of visitation will be held beginning at 1:00 pm prior to the service. (The family will also receive friends back at the church after the interment.)
The family would like to thank Dr. Andrew Romano, Medical Oncologist of Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital and the Hospice of the Piedmont for their care during Gene’s brief illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund, PO 264, Lovingston VA 22949 or Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston, VA (434-263-4097).
