Bill was born in Newby, Oklahoma to Joe and Clint Ashley. He departed this life March 25, 2019 in Bristow. He was the last surviving member of six, three brothers, George, Raymond, JB, one sister, Pauline and one baby. He grew up on their Newby farm during the great depression and dust bowl years widely considered the worst hard times, although they didn’t know it.
During WWII, Bill served in the United States Army in England, France, Belgium, Austria and Germany, entering the war crossing the English Channel and landing at Omaha Beach. He crossed the Atlantic Ocean four separate times on a Liberty ship bringing German prisoners to the U.S. mainland. After V.E. Day his unit was stationed just south of Paris with orders to ship out to enter the war in the Pacific, but the orders were cancelled the day before leaving because the first Atomic bomb had been dropped.
After the war Bill came back to the Newby/Bristow area met and married Rosemary Stubblefield. They have two sons, Danny and Dale.
He was one of the original crew of the Bristow Turnpike working at the gate for thirty-three years.
Bill and Rosemary were married 64 years until Rosemary passed away in 2016. They have three grandkids, Amber, Cassady and Levi. Nine great grandkids, Andrew, Bradley, Logan, Landon, Sawyer, Stetson, Lilith, Vivian and Krystin. Both wonderful parents and grandparents and did everything possible when help was required.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00PM, Friday, March 29, 2019 at the Bristow Free Will Baptist Church with Reverend Gene Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at the Bristow City Cemetery.