Gary Wayne Ashley

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Gary Wayne Ashley, 78, father, grandfather, great grandfather, devoted friend, brother and lover of Jesus Christ and his beauty in all forms passed from this life on December 12th, 2025. As a man who found beauty in his earthly surroundings it is an assurance that his soul is flooded with exquisite sights unimagined in the heavenly plane.
Born in Winchester, TN June 21st,1947 to the late Mary Etta Davis-Ashley and Leroy Ashley, Gary grew up in the pastoral setting of Cowan, TN. It is easy to imagine his formative years in such a bucolic rural setting fostered his love for gardening as well as antiques. I think, had Shakespeare uttered his famous speculation of "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" to Gary, he would have readily agreed. He had a way of looking past the outward trappings and imperfections to see the core of the beauty. His gift was to see the beauty because of the imperfections.
Gary's first job out of high school was at the Hat Factory in Winchester, TN. From there he went on to manage the Elmore Store and then the TG&Y store. When he left retail, he went to work at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex in Tullahoma, TN. He retired from Arnold and during his employ there touched many lives. His infectious laugh and welcoming smile lingers with all those who ever had the good fortune to work alongside him.
In retirement Gary fulfilled a personal dream when he bought the historic Gore House on Belmont Avenue in Shelbyville, TN. Through his love of antiques and impeccable good taste he restored the home to its former glory and named it the Old Gore House Bed and Breakfast. His touch could be seen in every room in the home, and his warmth could be felt in each detail. What a joy it was for him to share with others his vision. Uncountable lives have been enriched by time spent in the accomplishment of the restoration of this grand old dame. This is a gift Gary has given to any who crossed her threshold. After completion of this restoration, he moved into his forever home which he also restored into his priceless masterpiece. He lent his loving touch to these homes and we are all the richer for it.
Gary was a devoted member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Shelbyville, TN. He truly lived what he believed and that is a remarkable accomplishment. With a giving heart and authentic compassion Gary was a brilliant example of Christ's love.
In addition to his parents Gary was preceded in death by daughter, April Dawn Ashley; brother, Julian "Juke" Ashley; and great-granddaughter, Blakelyn Sons. He is survived by his lifelong devoted friend and companion Terry Ingle; beloved sister Rhonda (Gary) Gray; sister-in-law Sheila Ashley; beloved daughters whom he adored with all of his being: Tarah (Bill) Swinson and Dana (Greg) Farris; grandchildren: Matthew "Scottie" (Amber) Farris, Sean (Natalie) Harper, Shay (Ashlyn) Harper, Ashlyn (Sammy) Adcock, Lexi (Austin) Sons, and Chaz Farris; great grandchildren: Jaycie, Dallas, Easton, Cleatyn, Grayson, Isabella, Brooks, Sienna, and Hollis; close friend Lucky Visha and beloved dog Petey, as well as several nieces and nephews and cousins.
Through his ready smile, quick wit, and easy charm Gary brightened a room just by entering. His ability to make people feel seen, valued, and loved is enduring and beautiful. This is the true legacy Gary has left his children and grandchildren. You will be in our hearts Gary, and we will think of you every time we see daffodils blooming in Spring and early morning dew on a rosebud. A life well lived, a true thing of beauty.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, in the chapel of Doak-Howell Funeral Home with Pastor Rick Stevenson officiating. Burial will follow at Cowan-Montgomery Cemetery in Cowan, TN.
Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, December 14 from 4 to 7 pm at the funeral home.
Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital either by mail to 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or at www.stjude.org/memorial.
Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.
www.doakhowellfuneralhome.com