Petty Officer First Class John Ashley, Jr. left this earthly world Friday, November 6, 2020. John was a veteran of the US Navy and recipient of l2 medals of Honor to include Navy expeditionary, bronze service and Navy good conduct medal to name a few.
John Ashley, Jr. born Johnny Ashley Jr. aka "Sonny" was born in San Antonio TX August 22, 1937 to Johnny Ashley Sr. and Laura Kendricks. He was the youngest of four children and the only boy. John attended school in San Antonio TX and graduated from St. Peter Claver high School in 1955. He joined the armed forces at the tender age of 19. His Navy lieutenant told him that there was no such name as Johnny and from now on he would be called John. When someone calls him Johnny we immediately know they knew him back when. While in the military he attend Howard University majoring in Business Administration.
John married Carolyn Jean Clack aka "Jeannie" of San Antonio TX to that union three children were born. He would later married Anna West-Jones, no children born to this union. After leaving the military John worked for the Railroad in Chicago when he became homesick and moved back home to San Antonio TX. He then begin employment at the City Water Board now call SAWS as a dispatcher for over 20 years. After retiring from the Water Board he begin working for the United States Postal Service where he finally retired from the workforce for good. John had excellent work ethics, he was an exemplary employee where ever he worked receiving awards and recognition for job well done.
John love music, his favorite song was "Stairway to Heaven" by the O'Jays. He loved to cook and entertain company at his home. John love to dress up and wear hats with a slight lean to them. His house was always spotless clean and in chronological order.
Until his death he remained a member of Grace First Baptist Church. While there he was recognized as one of eight outstanding San Antonians appearing in the San Antonio Informer.
John was preceded in death by his Wife Anna Ashley and son Donald De'Sha Ashley aka "Sha”
John is survived by his three children Audrey Ashley, Robin Ashley-Godley (Kenneth (Godley) Christopher Hampton (Edwina Hampton) 18 grandchildren, 12 great grands and 2 great, great grands and good friend Ty Williams.
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