William Clayton Ash

William Clayton Ash, age 85, passed away Friday, August 4, 2017 due to complications from an extended illness.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah and Greg Upcroft of Columbus, Ohio and Tamera and Ric Wheeler of Athens, Texas; grandchildren, Christopher Clayton-Ash Clark and Daniel Michael of Columbus, Ohio; Trinity Clark of Logan, Ohio; Joshua Wheeler and wife Cassie of Athens, Texas; Melanie Wheeler of Athens, Texas; Joseph Wheeler and wife Taylor, also of Athens, Texas. He also had 4 great-grandchildren, Jesse Jenkins, Jackson Wheeler and Easton Wheeler of Athens, Texas and Annika M. Wheeler of Gun Barrel City, Texas; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Dorothy Annabelle Glass, a sister Betty Jo Ash, a grandson Michael R. Wheeler and his parents, Clara Edith Legg Ash and Clayton Henry Ash.

He was a 1951 graduate of Columbus Central High School and a member of the Central High School Alumni Association.

Bill served in the U.S. Army Infantry during the Korean conflict and was proud that South Korea is to this day a free and democratic nation. He was able to visit Washington D.C. in June with Honor Flight and was humbled and proud to have served in combat. 

He was employed at AEP for 34 years and began to travel extensively by motorcycle, car and cruise ship after retirement. He enjoyed the fellowship of friends at The Desert Island Club and credited God and Alcoholics Anonymous for nearly 35 years of sobriety. He was a member of West Gate Lodge #623 of Free and Accepted Masons. He will be missed for his sense of humor, his faith, his love of family and friends and for his "never quit" attitude.

Calling hours will be held 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Thursday, August 10 with Masonic Service at 7:45pm at Jerry Spears Funeral Home, 2693 West Broad St, Columbus, OH 43204. Funeral service Friday, August 11th at 10am at Jerry Spears Funeral home with brief  graveside service at Sunset Cemetery in Galloway, Ohio.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to The Desert Island Club 501 Josephine Ave, Columbus, OH 43204 in lieu of flowers.

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