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William Ashford Obituary
Ocala - Mr. William Marion "Bill" Ashford, age 66, of Ocala, Florida, went with Jesus on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at West Marion Community Hospital. He was born December 5, 1942 in the Smokey Mountains of Fletcher, North Carolina, the son of the late, William Marion and Frances Ashford. He moved to Ocala, Florida in 1993 from Colorado Springs, Colorado. At the young age of 14, Bill had his own radio and TV show, and continued through the rest of his life as a radio and TV announcer, as well as a music programmer and song writer. In 1992, Bill received a "Grammy Award" nomination for his song, "Floods of South Dakota", published by Sweet Southern Music Publishers. He was a consummate music man and word man his entire life. He worked in radio in Fayetteville, N.C., Denver, CO, San Francisco, CA, Austin, TX, Lake Tahoe, CA, Indianapolis, IN, Grand Rapids, MI, Colorado Springs, CO, Ocala, FL and The Villages. He was a Pioneer in "Free Form Rock Radio" and one of the original founders of "Internet - Free Form Music" and he is known for producing and programming "The Rock Garden Show"! He is also a member of Broadcast Music Incorporated. Bill loved writing songs and collecting music, old albums & radios, traveling in the Smokey Mountains and to the Oceans abroad and was a die hard, North Carolina "Tar Heels" fan of both, football and basketball, but most of all, he loved spending time with his loving family. He is also a parishioner and lector at Queen of Peace Catholic Church of Ocala, FL. He is survived by his loving wife of (31) years, Gail Ashford of Ocala, FL, his 4 daughters, Mary Ashford Rohrich of Steele, ND; Holly Ashford and husband William Galotti of Tallahassee, FL; Hannah Ashford of Tampa, FL and Erin Ashford of Tallahassee, FL; a step-brother, Roger Ashford of Charlotte, NC; his step-mother, Margaret Ashford of Newberry, SC; his (5) loving grandchildren and a beloved great-grandson. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. A private interment will be at a later date. The family will receive friends at the Roberts Funeral Homes, Bruce Chapel West, 6241 SW State Road 200, Ocala, FL 34476 on Tuesday, December 16, 2008, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. with a Wake Service at 5:15 p.m. The family request in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alpha Center for Women, 118 N. Pine Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475, in Memory of Mr. William M. "Bill" Ashford.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Ashford
Patsy Smith
November 16, 2009
My deepest condolences to Bill's family. I was honored to be able to work for Bill Ashford when he was in Fayetteville,N.C. Being able to work for Bill was one of the most defining moments in my life. He and all of his friend made me feel special. I feel a great deal of warmth at the fact that I was able to let him know shortly before he died, that he had made such a difference in my life. And, I would like his wife Gail to know that he was a true inspiration to me. Patsy Liles Smith 11-16-09
Denton Randall
October 14, 2009
Bill and I worked together '66-'68 at WFNC, Fayetteville, NC, and again together at KMYR, Denver in '69. He taught me a lot about radio and music, and was a good friend. So sorry to hear of his passing. Best regards to his family.
Joel Gill
April 25, 2009
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm keeping you and Erin and the other girls in my prayers always.
Gretchen Peters
January 24, 2009
Bill Ashford was my late-night companion and musical educator when I was a teenager in Colorado and he was on the air doing his great free-form radio show on KFML. I couldn't begin to count the artists and songs I grew to love because of him. Years later he sent me a lovely email about my own album "Burnt Toast & Offerings" and I was able to tell him what a fan I was. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to tell him how he influenced me. I don't think he realized how many of us were out there in the dark, with our radios on, waiting to catch the next bit of magic that flew out over the airwaves.
Rest in peace (and music), Bill.
Ken Grosse
January 1, 2009
Gail and Family
So sorry to hear the sad news. I'll be calling in the near future to get an "update".
God Bless
Ken & Rita Grosse
Fremont, NE
Tim Culver
January 1, 2009
Bill hired me in '89, and at the time he also gave me some guidance and support that probably saved my life. Radio was a lot of fun with Bill Ashford in the building. His wit and humor were legendary.
Ron Dykstra
December 30, 2008
Hello Gail,
You and your family are in my prayers.
Ron Dykstra
WCUZ Radio
Chuck LaTour
December 29, 2008
Long live the fond memories of Bill Ashford. Bill was my friend, co-worker and program director at WLHT here in Grand Rapids. When I remember those days, a wide smile comes to my face, sometimes even a laugh out loud. It wasn't any one thing about Bill, it was the entire package. I am a better man to have know him. RIP, Bill.
Cathi Biggart
December 29, 2008
Oh, Gail, word just reached us of Bill's passing. We are so sorry for your pain and will keep you in our prayers. Bill was the walking defination of joie de vivre. We all have such fond memories of your time with us here in GR. May God bless you and keep you during this difficult time.
Phil Catlett
December 29, 2008
Gail and Family,
We have warm and enduring memories of your time in Grand Rapids, and working with Bill. Caroll and I enjoyed visiting your family in your home near Ottawa Hills. I can still hear Bill's wonderful laugh and his stories. Bill was a "personality" in the truest radio meaning of the word. Our prayers will be with your family in the coming years, and our warmest regards to you all.
Steve Dirksen
December 28, 2008
Gail, my thoughts and prayers. Along with me there are many still here in GR that remember and learned a lot from Bill. Please drop a line via email when you get a chance. [email protected]
Cathy Chips
December 19, 2008
We will miss you Bill.......Gail, my love and suport to you. Bill has friends in Heaven.
Cathy Hursh
Steve Henning
December 19, 2008
To the Ashford family:
Our December Birthday partys were always special at Randys. We had some good times and good laughs. Bill was one of a kind, a special kind of person. I still have his Village phone directory with his photo on the cover, with his quote: "Dear Steve, Every Vote counts, Bill" and his coffee mug he gave me " I hate it when I don't get my way" I was honored to be his friend, he will be truly missed.
Steve & Jane Henning
Q Hutchison
December 18, 2008
I worked with Bill on an almost daily basis since the spring of 2004 with the launch of FreeFormRock.com. My days seem a bit empty now without the conversations and requests for new music. While technology sometimes got in the way and made things difficult between us, I consider him a good friend. I enjoyed our chats about music and food and otherwise. I personally will miss him and I know the listeners around the world already do.
JASON WARBLE
December 18, 2008
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. ASHFORD FAMILY, YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.
Dan Yurman
December 17, 2008
I can still hear your voice in my head from time at KFML Denver. Rest in peace.
Karl Loeper
December 17, 2008
Bill helped me tremendously when I first ventured into radio in 2004 at WVLG. His quick wit and sense of humor put a smile on my face whenever we worked together or corresponded via email. God rest your soul, Bill, and a belated thank you.
Malcolm Gault-Williams
December 17, 2008
Gail, Mary, Holly, Hannah, Erin ~ Bill is a legend and will continue to be a legend in the annals of freeform radio long after we are all gone. His contributions in radio and music were many, as he enriched the lives of millions of people. I feel so fortunate to have known him and honored that he called me "little brother."
George Rudolph
December 16, 2008
My prayers are with you. I enjoyed the time we had together at the radio station and so sorry that Bill's time is now over.
George Rudolph
Lucy, Jorge, & Kim Hernandez
December 15, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We know that your family is strong and that the Lord will help you through this. May God bless and heal your family.
Patty Strait
December 14, 2008
Bill, you will be missed by those of us who had the priveledge of knowing you for many years! You are one of a kind and your work for the Lord on earth is over and He needs you in heaven to continue His mission! God Bless you my friend!
Patricia Strait
December 14, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
jennifer hayes
December 14, 2008
Bless Bill's family at this time, and may they please be comforted with faith. Bill was a dear friend and all time favorite character. There is no doubt in my mind he is back at work first thing this morning on WHIS his saviors station. Organizing the finest tunes and giving bright and whitty commentary on the goings on down here. We love you Bill.
Jennifer
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