Roll Call Tribute

Published in (Harlingen) Valley Morning Star on Dec. 27, 2013

Eugene Lamar Ashley 1934 - 2013

Eugene Lamar Ashley
HARLINGEN, TX. -- Eugene Lamar Ashley, 79, passed away Monday, December 23, 2013 at Alfredo Gonzalez State Veterans Nursing Center in McAllen.
Lamar was born January 14, 1934 in Blytheville, Ark. to Robert Ford and Marjorie Dell Smith Ashley. Lamar met Shirley Threatt and later they married on March 13, 1954 at the First Baptist Church in Lyford, Texas. Lamar was a proud member of the Class of 1955 at Texas A&M University, as well as a member of the Singing Cadets. Throughout his life, his love of music showed whether he was leading a choir or just singing. Lamar loved flying, and served his country for seven years in the United States Air Force as a navigator and a bombardier, spending two years in the Strategic Air Command and seven more in the Reserves. His love of farming led him to spend 32 years with Ashley Farms, retiring in 1993. He enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends, as well as playing dominos with anyone who would sit down. Lamar enjoyed being outdoors in God's creation, especially fishing and camping. He was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Harlingen for over 50 years, serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Lamar is survived by his wife Shirley; 3 children, Suzanne Ashley Macmanus (Kelly), Robert Eugene Ashley (+Sandra), Randall Scott Ashley (Renda); grandchildren, Stephanie Bullion (Randy), Leslie Macmanus, Caitlin Macmanus, Chelsea Ashley, Reagan Ashley, and Miranda Ashley; great grandchildren, Brianna Bullion and Michael Bullion; brother, Robert F. Ashley Jr. (+Jean); sister, Clara Jean Dunkin (Pat); many nieces and nephews; and a great many friends.
Lamar was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Charlotte Ashley.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 2:00 pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 1815 N. 7th Street, Harlingen, Texas. He never knew a stranger, and wanted to make sure that every person he met knew Jesus. The last few months of his life, Lamar was well loved and cared for by the wonderful staff of the Memory Unit at the Alfredo Gonzalez Texas State Veterans Home in McAllen.
Memorials may be made to the Gideon's society or the Memory Wing at Alfredo Gonzalez State Veterans Home in McAllen. "15 for team-farmer's fight-call it a night's Gig 'Em Aggies."
Arrangements are under the direction of Heavenly Grace Funeral Home. (956)797-5500.
Sign the guestbook at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/valleystar/