William 'Bill' Gene Ashley

William “Bill” Gene Ashley, age 89, of Norman, passed away January 9, 2021.  He was born March 6, 1931, to the late Carmie and Lillie (Eppler) Ashley in Katie, Oklahoma.  He graduated Norman High School in 1949, and attended Hill’s Business School of Oklahoma City.

At the young age of 13, Bill worked at the ice dock on Porter Street and as a soda jerk in the drug store next to Sooner Theater the following summer.  He enjoyed staying busy, and at the age of 15, he began working at the IGA in downtown Norman and Campus Corner Grocery until joining the military.

In 1954, Bill joined the U.S. Army.  He completed basic training at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas, and spent 19 months in Germany.  Bill spent one year in the National Guard making his way up to First Sargent.

In 1956, Bill began his career at Midway Grocery (Deli) and worked there for over 45 years as a butcher, and was known for his infamous chili. 

He was a member of Goodrich Memorial United Methodist Church.  He loved staying active and was a member of several square dance groups; including the Norman Buckaroos.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Ocie Cox; and brother, Melvin Ashley.  He is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Joice; daughter, Teresa Davis and her husband Ross; son, Carmie and his wife Anita; grandchildren, Jordan Davis, Timothy Ashley, Nathan Ashley and his wife Stephanie; Renee Davis and family; Bob Thompson and family; and a very large and blessed extended family and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation at www.dalekgrahamveteransfoundation.org or PO Box 592, Washington, OK 73093.