James Barry Ashton

Barry Ashton, age 86, of Gallatin, entered into rest on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

He was born in Leeds, England, on December 27, 1937, to his parents, Tom and Leah Ashton. As a young man, Barry enlisted in the British Army. He served as a Coldstream guardsman and protected the Queen of England. Following his military service, Barry was a skillful accountant. He owned and ran a family operated Bed and Breakfast. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to immigrate to America, in 1990. He and his son, Gary, continued their career in hospitality as owners of the Bay Breeze Motel, in Clearwater Beach, Florida. The Ashton family moved to Tennessee in 2002. Barry continued to be self-employed, owning residential rental properties. Barry was a proud Englishman, with an outgoing and gregarious personality. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends.

James Barry Ashton is survived by his sons, Gary (Amanda) Ashton, Martin (Lori) Ashton; sisters, June Ashton, Rose Ashton, Marlene Bapty Weaver; brothers, Roy Ashton, Howard Ashton, Trevor Ashton; former wife, Sheila McMurry Ashton; numerous nieces and nephews; and bonus grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Ashton; mother, Leah Galinski Ashton; step-mother, Amy Bapty Ashton; sisters, Barbara Ashton Dobson; Sheila Ashton Crozier, and wife of over 40 years, Dorothy Whatmore Ashton. 

A memorial gathering will be held in honor of Mr. Barry Ashton, at Alexander Funeral Home and Cremation Center, on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 1:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M..