May
12
Written by:
5/12/2009 1:21 AM
Family and colleagues said goodbye to Bill Ashley at his funeral service in Warrenton, Va., yesterday.
It was a lovely service; and it was gratifying to see the church packed, both with family members who quite obviously cherished him as a husband, father and grandfather, as well as colleagues who admired Bill's love of the industry even as they shook their heads at his quirky sense of humor.
I wrote in my column
about Bill last year at the time of his retirement, and I'm glad I did. Having been diagnosed subsequently with pancreatic cancer, he left us too soon, and I wish he had been able to enjoy his hard-earned retirement years with his family.
Bill would have appreciated the many warm comments we heard from the pulpit yesterday. Joellen Reed, our former colleague at Bradley Broadcast Sales, admonished young people in the congregation to learn from Ashley, who was truly a "gentle man ... and there aren't many of those left." And Bill would certainly have laughed to hear a family member dedicate a song, explaining how the lyrics paralleled Bill's life, and then launch into "Hello muddah, hello faddah. Here I am at Camp Granada."
If you were there or knew Bill, you knew the selection was just right.
3 comment(s) so far...
A Last Goodbye for Bill Ashley
I have known Bill for years and always enjoyed our conversations at NAB. He truly was one who loved broadcasting. Wish there were more like him
By Dick Burden on
5/15/2009 4:08 AM
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A Last Goodbye for Bill Ashley
Bill will truly be missed. I never met Bill in person but had many contacts with him as he worked with us at WBMJ-AM and The Rock Radio Network in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was his desire to serve us in the best way possible and we did a lot of business with him which was always a pleasure.
I truly believe Bill believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and that now he is with his Lord in glory. This is the hope all of us have who have believed on Him. Someday we will see Bill and Jesus when we are united with then in Glory.
My best regards to his family and many friends.
Bert Johnson
Retired, former Operations Manager of the Rock Radio Network, San Juan, PR
By Bert Johnson on
5/15/2009 9:52 AM
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A Last Goodbye for Bill Ashley
Bill will be missed by everyone he knew. His cheerfull manner and attention to details made him a true friend of Missionary Radio. He always figured out a way to lend a helping hand and give a word of advice and encouragement.
Seeing Bill again gives me one more reason to look forward to Heaven. Jesus was first in his life and now Bill is in His presence.
Our condolences to Bill's family - we stand with you at this time of human loss.
By Janet Luttrell on
5/18/2009 7:11 AM
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