David Michael Ashcraft

Ashcraft, David Michael (“Mike”) – age 74, passed away on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at his home. He was born in Knoxville and grew up in Fountain City back in the day when it was a small, close-knit community. He was of the Baptist faith and was raised in Smithwood Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Central High School Class of 1965. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served four years from 1966 through 1970, including assignment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bennington CVS-20 during the Vietnam conflict. After discharge from the Navy, he served 16 years in the Tennessee Air National Guard in addition to working for TVA. He loved watching college football and basketball, PGA tournaments, and was an avid Vols fan, always dressing in orange and white on game days. He spent childhood summers playing baseball at Fountain City Ballpark and making lifelong friends there, and he enjoyed a continued association with many of those friends over lunch and dinner each month-Tim Lawson, Jerome Smith, Jerry Baer, Jimmy Gentry, Axson Minhinnett, Bill Brock, Eddie Faulkner, Warren Payne and many others.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, James Carl Ashcraft, Jr., and Wanda Maples Ashcraft, grandparents, James Carl Ashcraft, Sr., and Isabel Williams Ashcraft, and special and beloved grandparents Otis Maples and Audrey Tolson Maples. He is survived by wife Elaine McDonald Ashcraft, sister and brother-in-law, Dawn and Randy Lockmiller, nephew and wife, Nick and Kara Lockmiller, and a great niece and two great nephews, Jaimie Lockmiller, Jacob Lockmiller, and Gabriel Lockmiller.

No receiving of friends will be held at this time due to Covid-19 pandemic. A graveside service and inurnment will be held in the spring and notice will be given when scheduled. Those wishing to make memorial contribution may do so to Sacred Ground Hospice House, 1120 Dry Gap Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918, or charity of your choice. Arrangements made by Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home, 2300 Adair Drive, Knoxville, TN. www.berrylynnhurst.com