Earl Leroy Ashe Jr.

As a teen, he joined the Army and later became a member of the 82 Airborne Division.

Upon his discharge he attended NC State and graduated as an English major from UNC Chapel Hill. He then began his career in television, first at several small television stations then moving to Raleigh to help launch WRAL.

During his career at WRAL he produced and directed the daily news, the Uncle Paul children’s show, local wrestling and many other shows and commercials. While there he had the honor of working with future Senator Jesse Helms and producing a show for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Gerald Ford.

Years later he joined with Senator Helms to write, produce and direct commercials for his senatorial campaigns, and went on to do so for numerous other senatorial and congressional campaigns including those of Senators ` John East, and Lauch Faircloth. He also was involved in the initial North Carolina leg of Ronald Reagan`s presidential campaign and the presidential campaign of Steve Forbes.

Earl is survived by his wife Carolyn; his son Phillip; his daughter Karen (Amy); grandson Cooper; sisters Deidre Hockman, Lillian Elliott (Bill), and Donella Dzengeleski (Joseph); and brothers George Ashe, Sam Ashe and Wayne Ashe (Debbie); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family graveside service, officiated by Dr. Peter Burgess, will be held on Tuesday, November 17th at Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Alzheimer`s Association or Transitions LifeCare.