Albert "Al" Ashley Jr.

Albert Lee "Al" Ashley Jr., age 93, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, left this earthly home to be with the Lord our God on January 24, 2026.

Al is survived by his wife, Maxine Ashley; his children, Mike Ashley, Tim Ashley (wife Teresa Ashley), and Patti Ashley Peters (husband John Peters IV); his brother, Charles Ashley; his sisters, Ola Knight, Marie Peardon, Joann Kelley, and Kathleen Nichols; his grandchildren, Andy Peters (wife Hannah Peters), Lee Peters, Matthew Ashley, Hannah Wooten (husband Chris Wooten), and Shannon Tate (late husband David Tate); his great-grandchildren, Lanie Peters, Lawson Peters, Linden Peters, Lucas Tate, Hudson Wooten, Conner Wooten, Charlie Ashley, and Learah Peters; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Al was born on January 19, 1933, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and remained rooted in the community he called home throughout his life.

Al was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and a strong man who built his life around his family. He was married to the love of his life, Maxine Ashley, and together they shared a lifetime of love, commitment, and partnership for 75+ amazing years. He was a proud father to Mike Ashley, Tim Ashley, and Patti Ashley Peters, and he loved his children deeply.

Al was known for his strength, not just in what he could carry with his hands, but in what he carried in his heart. He was steady, dependable, and loyal. He believed in working hard, doing what was right, and taking care of his family above all else.

He was the son of Albert Lee Ashley Sr. and mother Alma Norman Ashley and was the seventh oldest of eight siblings. He attended Eastdale School and began working in pest control in 1954. Over the years, he became an entrepreneur, always willing to work hard and find new ways to provide for his family and enjoyed starting businesses at every opportunity even at age 85. His son, Mike Ashley, started working with his dad at age 12 and still carries on his family's business today.

He had many passions including fishing, bowling, hunting, water skiing, boating, karate (black belt recipient in his 70's), restoring cars, weight lifting, and riding motorcycles with his family. He also had a special passion for dirt bike racing with his grandson, with the rest of the family always in tow to cheer them on and it wasn't a surprise to see him still riding in his 70's. His favorite time was always spent with family and friends.

Al loved the Lord with all his heart and shared his faith with everyone he met. He loved going to church and singing good old gospel songs. He supported his son Tim Ashley's ministry from the early beginnings till he was no longer able to attend the Services.

Patti, his daughter, reflects his love for people and adventure. From riding motors, her horse Chico, to storytelling. When storytelling started it had no end. Mike, Tim and Patti and all his grandchildren and great children will continue this legacy.

Al had a compassion for helping those in need. He believed we should love each other knowing everyone is faced with problems, no matter their position in life. He was devoted to help those who lived without and would give the shirt off his back and his last dollar to help them. He had a huge heart for people and loved everyone. He could tell stories like no other and make you laugh till you cried.

Al was a proud member of the Shriners and he and his late brother-in-law, Johnny Buffett, enjoyed being in the clown unit together bringing laughter to those in need. Al was always blessed to have friends but no one could come close to his late fishing buddy Bill Blackburn, the two were inseparable here on earth and will continue for eternity.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Turner Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow in the chapel at 12 p.m.

Al will be laid to rest in Lakewood Memorial Gardens East.

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