Randy Ashley

He was born in Union City March 29, 1948, to Joe A. Ashley Sr. and Rachel (Cunningham) Ashley.
He attended Obion County Central. He entered the Navy in 1965 and his education began. He served two tours in country in Vietnam and at many various commands. He was a submariner, serving on both fast attacks and boomers. He traveled the world over, having adventures and misadventures and embracing them with enthusiasm and a jar of Miracle Whip.
He was trained by the Navy in its ground breaking Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation program and he was licensed to practice A&D counseling in the state of Tennessee.
He believed in his work. He was a friend of Bill W. and practiced what he preached. He helped so many people  over the years. He was an amazingly generous spirit. He enjoyed life. He loved his dogs, horseback riding, shooting his cannon, gadgets, clothes, books and his many friends from all walks of life. He didn’t meet many strangers.
He was funny and had a great smile and laugh. He had an awesome sense of direction. His family and friends would cringe when he took them on one of his shortcuts, because it was never short.
He is survived by his wife, Cecile (White) Ashley; his children, Carrie Leigh Ashley and Melanie Cathleen Ashley; his son-in-law, Bj Hemann; his beloved granddaughter, Eliot Cecile Hemann, known to him for all time as “The Baby”; his beloved sister, Vicki Clement; his niece, Ashley Coleman; and his nephew, Lee Clement.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joe A. Ashley Sr.; his mother, Rachel (Cunningham) Ashley; and his brother, Joe Allan Ashley Jr.
Visitation will be from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday at White-Ranson Funeral Home, with the service to follow there immediately. The Rev. Tim Atkins will officiate.
Interment will be in Hickman City Cemetery, with military honors.
The family requests that memorials be sent to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 North Randolph St. SW 225, Arlington, VA 22203; or made online at nmcrs.org.
Condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home website: www.white-ranson.com.