W. C. (Preacher) Ashe

W. C. (Preacher) Ashe was born May 14, 1913 in McNairy County, TN the son of the late John and Patie Hawkins Ashe.

He was united in marriage to Addillia Gray on October 17, 1934. Mrs. Ashe preceded him in death on June 8, 1990, following 55 years of marriage.

Mr. Ashe was a farmer and cattleman. In the early 1950's, he, along with his wife and son, founded Ashewood Farms, which went on to become a nationally known and respected Polled Hereford and Angus seedstock operation. In 2008 Mr. Ashe received the Fifty Year Breeder Award from the American Hereford Association. In 2009, the Ashe family was recognized as the Tennessee Polled Hereford Association Family of the Year. In his younger years, Mr. Ashe was known as an outstanding baseball pitcher, and could throw a "dropball" that would rival many Major League pitchers. He was a loving granddaddy who gave his grandchildren the gift of fun, while passing down his tremendous work ethic. Mr. Ashe was an avid gardener. He was a member of the Good Hope Baptist Church.

Mr. Ashe departed this life on January 7, 2014 in Selmer, Tennessee at the age of 100 Years, 7 Months, 24 Days. He is survived by a son, Billy C. Ashe and wife Joyce of Stantonville, TN; two grandchildren, Patti (Ashe) Coleman and husband Will David of Nashville, TN and Wesley Ashe and wife April of Stantonville, TN; a great-grandchild, Ashe Thompson Coleman; a sister, Ruby Davis of Selmer, TN; three sisters-in-law: Winnie Mae Sweat, Genelle Freeman, and Lorraine Gray, all of Selmer, TN; and many extended family and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Ashe was preceded in death by an infant daughter; two sisters, Ollie Walker and Bessie Woods; and four brothers: Artie Ashe, J. D. Ashe, Millard Ashe, and Willard Ashe.

Memorials may be made to the W. C. and Addillia Ashe Ag Education Scholarship Fund, C/O Hardin County Bank, Savannah, TN.