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Murray Ashford Obituary
Dec. 31, 1930 - May 8, 2015
Visalia, CA
Murray Lee Ashford, age 84, of Farmersville, CA. passed away on Friday, May 8, 2015 in Visalia, CA.
Murray was born on December 31, 1930 in Shawnee, OK. to Grace Blanche & Roy (Dewey) Ashford. He came to California with his parents and seven siblings at a young age, settling in Visalia, CA. where he attended elementary school through high school.
He was married to his first wife, Elaine Allen, in his early twenties and they had two children together. Murray worked for the Visalia Unified Bus Transport as a mechanic foreman and retired from that position after thirty-five years.
In the latter part of his life, Murray took up many hobbies; amongst them were making custom rings, as well as making custom accessories for cowboy hats and boots. He also had an avid passion for collecting, riding, and racing various types of motorcycles, as well as attending the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions where he became a well-known and beloved regular.
Murray is preceded in death by three of his siblings; Roy Ashford of Visalia, CA., Vera Akers of Antioch, CA., and Ruby England of Visalia, CA. He is survived by four of his siblings; Willie Ashford of Visalia, CA., Wilma Conway of Morro Bay, CA., Loreta Simon of Tulare, CA., and Don Ashford of UT. In addition, he is also survived by his son, Murray (Brent) Ashford of Farmersville, CA., his daughter, Sheila McMath of Visalia, CA., four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Murray lived a life full of passion. He never knew a stranger, he had his own unique style, and was always the life of the party. For those he leaves behind, the world will be a lot less colorful in his absence.
A Memorial service to celebrate Murray's larger-than-life persona will be held at 3838 S. Court St. at the Visalia Community Church of Christ on May 18, 2015 from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM.
A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Murray Ashford
Barbara Slycord
May 22, 2015
Murray has been a dear friend of mine for approximately 30 years.He used to date my good friend, Linda Bergeron. I used to run into him quite often at the swap meets where we would catch up on our lives. He was a good man and a colorful character (also very talented), he will surely be missed. RIP, Murray.....we loved you.
Linda Beargeon
May 22, 2015
I've been caling ypu for days and could never reach you. I knew ypu called and let me know you were ill. I finally looked at the obituaries and could hardly believe my eyes. I loved you for a long time my dear man and you will always be in my heart. RiP my love.
Lelys Bonfardeci
May 20, 2015
Descansa en paz Murray
Estas al lado de mi hermanita Myriam. Juntos otra vez.
India Hollinquest
May 16, 2015
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I will never forget this young man at heart. I met him at sizzles and he had the sharpest boots I'd ever seen in my life. I asked where he got them, and that was the beginning!!!! We talked for 30 minutes to an hour as if we've known one another for years. He had a sweet spirit, loved people and he was a walk in conversation piece all by himself. I'm glad I stopped and talked to him
May 15, 2015
An amazing and lively personality, was such A pleasure to know and will always be remembered.
May 15, 2015
Shelia and Brent we are so sorry to hear about your dad. He really didn't know a stranger! A couple of years ago I was waiting at an event in my bus and he came up and we had a great talk about school buses and his jewelry making. Neither one of us recognized each other, it had been over thirty years since I had seen him. God blessed you with a one of a kind and talented father! Love & Prayers, Alvin & Renee
Uncle Murray giving Connor the ring he made for him.
Misty McLaren
May 15, 2015
Dearest Uncle Murray,
You were such a fun person to be around, and we really appreciated your friendship and support of our business. Of all our various family members that live here locally, we saw you the most which will undoubtedly make losing you that much harder. The lack of your presence is already felt so strongly by us, and I am certain that it is the same for everyone who knew and loved you as we did. Our boys, Blake & Connor, were so blessed to have you in their lives, you were like a second Great-Grandpa to them. We will miss your weekly, (sometimes daily visits) your distinctive double-doorbell ring followed by three knocks on our door knocker, your enthusiasm for life, your bright smile, your unique fashion sense, and most of all we will miss hanging out with you at the Barrett-Jackson Auctions and sharing our experiences with you, whether good or bad, you always made us feel like winners! I know that you are now in heaven shaking things up for your fellow angels, all in the name of fun! Race your motorcycles care-free, convert your halo into a blinged-out cowboy hat to match your boots, enjoy flirting with all the single women angels, and use your mad skills to accessorize your new wings! Any time I see a blindingly bright star at night, I'll know that it's from your rings radiating light to let us know that you are doing okay. Thanks for the memories, we will cherish them always! <3
Brenda Souza-Costa
May 15, 2015
Brent and Sheila so sorry for the passing of your dad. Thoughts and prayers going your way.
V T
May 14, 2015
121:8 God will guard you in all you do,from now on and forever.
DWAYNE SALYER
May 14, 2015
BRENT,SHEILA SO SORRY TO HERE ABOUT YOUR FATHER. I STILL REMEMBER THE BLACK WIDOW GEAR SHIFT NOB HE MADE FOR MY UNCLE OBIE AND SEEING HIM OUT DANCING HAVING FUN.R.I.P. MURRY
Jo Ann Lewis
May 13, 2015
We will always remember you Murry.
You have been a fixture in the neighborhood for many years.
God Bless enjoy the ride!!!
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Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel - Visalia127 East Caldwell Avenue, Visalia, CA 93277
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