Gene Ashby entered into his eternal rest on Oct. 10, 2014. He had dealt with a lengthy illness for quite some time, and it was on that day that God saw it befitting to call him home to his prepared place.

Gene was born on Feb. 26, 1926, in Fayetteville, Tenn. He was a veteran of military service, proudly serving his country in the United States Army and was a WWII Purple Heart veteran. He was employed with Southern Truck Lines and was the co-owner of A/C Trucking Company and other businesses. He was a former member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and a member of the VFW in Franklinton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Murrell Benjamin Ashby and Mable Brown Ashby, and one sister, Lila Ashby.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 55 years, Beatrice Perry Ashby of Fayetteville; his children, Diane (Ray) Corkern of Franklinton, Pam (Bob) Old of Lafayette, Ben (Aimee) Ashby of New Hebron, Miss., and Jeff (Kirsten) Ashby of Rocky Mount, N.C.; one sister, Mary Spray of Fayetteville; three grandchildren, Jason (Amber) Creel, Sara (Jay) Blair and Stephen Corkern, all of Franklinton; one great-granddaughter, Bresa Ann Blair; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his very precious companion, his dog CoCo.

Services were held on Monday, Oct. 13, 2014, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home, Fayetteville, Tenn., with Bro. James Barnes officiating. Burial followed in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation was on Monday from 10 a.m. until noon. Sign the online guestbook at www.gallantfuneralhome.com.