E. Lyle Ashley

E. Lyle Ashley, passed away January 24, 2014, surrounded by his family. He was born in Houston, Texas, June 14, 1944, son of Jack V. and Billie June “Queenie” Ashley. A 1962 graduate of South Houston High School, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War receiving The Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars. After military service, he returned to Houston, and began his professional career in the insurance industry. In 1966, he joined W.T. Cooper Agency as a producer. He formed Ashley Insurance Agency in 1970. The agency was sold in 1980, at which time Lyle was able to devote full time to Surplus, Inc. which he founded in 1975. From 1980 until 2004, Lyle was President of Surplus, Inc. and sold the agency to Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs. He stayed on as President until 2008. In 2010 he formed Ashley General Agency. Lyle obtained the CIC designation in 1977 and CIW designation in 1995. He served as a director of the Independent Agents of Houston, on numerous committees of the American Association of Managing General Agents and Texas Surplus Lines Association. As a young man he was active in the Order of DeMolay, Park Place Chapter. He was a member of San Jacinto Masonic Lodge #106, AF & AM, a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of The York Rite bodies, Knights Templar and Arabia Shrine Center. He served as an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Conroe, TX, volunteered with youth groups of the church, and was a friend of Faith Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, TX. He truly loved being a volunteer driver at Shriners Hospital in Houston. He enjoyed Saturday golf with “the usual foursome” and spending time with his family. Annual family vacations were always “great events”. He lives in many people’s hearts as a father figure and mentor. Lyle loved people and life! Survived by the love of his life and best friend of 49 years, Janet Campbell McGavin Ashley, Daughter, Billie Gorrell (Dennis) Conroe, Son, Jack Ashley (Bethany) Conroe, Daughter, Heath-er Nelson (Karl) Austin. Grandchildren, Sarah Gorrell Colston (Joel), Madeline Gorrell; Alex, Jack, Campbell, Cooper, and Finley Ashley; Gavin, Ava, and Grant Nelson; Brother, William T. Ashley (Glenda); Sister, Jackie Pace (Jerry) and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation Thursday, January, 30, from 5-8 P.M. at Cashner Funeral Home, Conroe, TX, Memorial Service Saturday, February,1, 10:30 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church Conroe. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church, Conroe, TX, Shriners Hospital in Houston, TX or the charity of choice. You are invited to view our webpage at www.cashnerconroe.com.