James Walter Ashley

James Walter Ashley, 79, of Statesville, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2015 at Forsyth Hospital.  He was born in Wilkes County on December 12, 1935 to the late Harrison Ashley and Lucille Blackburn Ashley Carroll. Mr. Ashley was a graduate of Troutman High School and served his country honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps.  He was married to Annie Berlene Ridenhour Ashley and they celebrated over 58 years of marriage before his passing.  He was retired from Southern Screw Company after 35 years of service, worked 14 years for Thomasville Upholstery and over 10 years for the Statesville Auto Auction.  James was a member of Cochran Street Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and a Sunday school teacher.  He was also a member of the Gideons International. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Annie; two daughters, Marie Hayes (Gerald) and Sandra Hager; one son, James R. Ashley; four grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one brother, Jerry Ashley (Marion); and two special friends, Nancy Coulson and Billy Dishmon. Funeral services for Mr. Ashley will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Cochran Street Baptist Church with Pastor Thomas Young and Missionary Jim Park officiating.  Burial will follow in the Iredell Memorial Gardens Cemetery with military rights provided by the Iredell County Veterans Burial Detail.  Active pallbearers will be Jimmy Grubbs, Shane Mayberry, Robert Reid, Bobby Ashley, Brandon Ashley, and Michael Ashley.  The family will visit with friends Monday evening, September 7, 2015 at Nicholson Funeral Home from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Cochran Street Baptist Church, 964 Cochran Street, Statesville, NC 28677.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.