George R. Ashley July 25, 1948 - October 1, 2020

George R. Ashley was born on July 25, 1948, in Wesson, Mississippi, to Francis Lee Ashley and Marjorie Loyce (Earls) Ashley/Blackwell.

At the age of 18, George joined the United States Navy and served his country for six years during the Vietnam War. While in the Navy, George received the National Defence Medal.

George was stationed at Sand Point Naval Base in Seattle, Washington, when he met the love of his life, Cheryl Brewster. Cheryl, a high school junior at the time, had attended a Girl Scout dance held in an airplane hanger on the Navy base. George wasn’t actually supposed to have been there, but in retrospect his “party crashing” escapade turned out to be a divine setup. After dating a couple of years, George and Cheryl were married on August 29, 1970.  They celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary this year.

George accepted Christ as his Savior when he was a child. Later, in 1977, he renewed his faith. He was a faithful member of River of Life Church (now known as Compassion Church OKC) for 17 years. He was an active member of the Acts2Day small group.

George and Cheryl moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2001. In 2003, they joined River of Life Church. That same year, following heart surgery, George retired..

Though he was retired, George maintained an active social life through his immediate family, church family, and coffee buddies. The guys often met for coffee and some hearty jesting. True to his nature as a “big tease,” George no doubt led the banter; however, the conversation often came around to George inviting his friends to visit his church.

Besides meeting with his coffee buddies, George enjoyed playing pool (won several tropies on pool leagues), greatly enjoyed bowling on couples leagues, golfing, playing cards, and long road trips. He also liked to search for bargains at weekend estate sales. One of his biggest passions was cooking. The family will miss his holiday stuffing, delicious desserts, and homestyle meals.

George Ashley went to be with the Lord on October 1, 2020. His parents and his only sibling, Jerry, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Cheryl; three children: Ray and Laura of Oklahoma City, and Trisha of Seattle, Washington; nine grandchildren: Tommy, Mike, Heather, Tammy, Caitlyn, Andrew, Elena, Tanner, and Conner; one great- grandchild, Ella; and twin nephews, Joshua and Jason Ashley.

George will be sorely missed by his family and his many friends.