Kenneth W. Ashley, 76, of Grant, passed away Friday.
Kenneth was born on January 10, 1949, to Thomas David and Hazel Dean Ashley in Moulton, Alabama. He attended Asbury High School and graduated from Albertville High School in 1967.
Kenneth married Sharon Whitaker on August 11, 1967, in Grant. They shared 58 wonderful years together, marrying when he was 18 and she was 16.
Kenneth served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany with the 8th Administration Company during the Vietnam War, receiving an honorable discharge in March of 1975.
Kenneth worked as both a poultry and cattle farmer and took great pride in his farm. In 1987, he received the District Farm of Distinction Award. Kenneth was known for his strong faith in the Lord and was a member of Grassy Mountain Holiness Church, where he served as an elder.
Though Kenneth and Sharon did not have children of their own, they adored their many nieces and nephews-especially those who loved spending time on the farm. Kenneth enjoyed being outdoors and passed his love of farming to his nephew, Tyson Mayhall, whom he taught to mow and bale hay beginning at the young age of nine.
Kenneth is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; siblings, Jimmy Ashley (Rae), Peggy Hardin (Rickey), and Patricia Key; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas David and Hazel Dean Ashley, and his sister Belva Black. Pallbearers will be Adrian Black, Christopher Bevel, Kyle Key, Dustin Key, Brad Hardin and Jason Swearingen, Honorary pallbearers Shane Murphy and Tyson Mayhall.
Visitation will be Sunday, December 7 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Grassy Mountain Holiness Church. Services will be held at Grassy Mountain Holiness Church, Monday December 8 at 1:00 PM with Bro. Chris Clark and nephew Kyle Key officiating.
Interment will be in Free Home Cemetery.
