Kenneth Edward Ashe died on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at his home in Waynesville at the age of 86 surrounded by his loving wife and their children when he passed peacefully to his heavenly home. Ken was a caring and thoughtful husband to Norma during their more than 64 years of marriage. Together they raised their children in a home full of love, kindness, and a sense of responsibility to help others in need. Throughout his life, Ken was a faithful caretaker for extended family and many good friends. Even after his diagnosis with a rare kidney disease at the age of 86, Ken continued to assist his older and younger friends by doing errands and helping with trips to the doctor. Selfless acts of kindness were at the very core of his being, providing an example that inspired countless others to act justly, love mercifully and walk humbly with God.
Born in 1934 to Ollie Cope Ashe and Hershel Ashe in Jackson County, Ken had six siblings who all preceded him in death: one brother: Wilburn Ashe and five sisters: Sandy Reilly, Pearle Ensley, Glenda Henson, and two sisters Mary Frances and Elaine who died as young children. The family attended Scott’s Creek Baptist Church in Sylva where Ken developed his love of singing, which later led him to be the choir director at several churches throughout his life. He also loved listening to Classical music and was always eager to discuss his favorite composers with others who shared his passion for music.
Ken graduated from Sylva High School in 1952 where he was voted “Most Handsome” and was known by his fellow students as “God’s gift to women”, as quoted in the school yearbook. He went on to attend Western Carolina University majoring in Chemistry and Business. After graduating in 1956, Ken married Norma Bryson, and then was drafted into the U.S. Army—serving two years in the Army Chemical Corps in Utah. After his military service, Ken and Norma settled in Haywood County where he eventually became a Nationwide Insurance agent for thirty-eight years. He served on the boards of Haywood United Way, Youth for Christ and was active in the Nationwide Prom Promise campaign for many years. He also went on mission trips to Alaska, Uganda, Tanzania and Honduras while a member of Ratcliffe Cove Baptist Church and was a member of Elizabeth Chapel Methodist Church at the time of his death. He enjoyed traveling, photography, golf, reading and spent many days on Lake Chatuge with generations of family and friends, teaching them to swim and waterski.
Ken and Norma raised two daughters and two sons. Their daughter, Teresa Ashe, died in April 2018. Along with Norma, left to cherish the memory of a wonderful father and great man are: daughter, Kendra Ashe Medford (Bert) of Clyde, sons Kevin Ashe of Waynesville and Alan Ashe (Margie) of Decatur, Georgia; four grandchildren: Haley Medford Hopper (Matthew) of Cullowhee, Rachel Medford of Clyde, Lilly and Jonathan Ashe of Decatur, GA; one great-grandchild: Allena Hopper of Cullowhee; two brothers-in-law: Arnold Bryson (Connie), Jack Fisher and several nieces and nephews.
Private visitation for family will be Saturday, January 23, at Garrett Funeral Home with Reverend David Childers. Following visitation, a public memorial service will be held at Garrett Hillcrest Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend Dan Dockery presiding and a time of music and sharing by family and friends.
Memorials may be made to: Haywood Christian Ministry Food Pantry; Address: 150 Branner Avenue; Waynesville, NC 28786 or www.haywoodministry.org/
A message of comfort of comfort may be left for the Ashe family at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com
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