Charles Woodson Ashford

1953 - 2016

Charles Woodson Ashford of Athens, GA died peacefully on July 5, 2016 after an extended illness. Also known as "Tolly" by family and friends, he was born and raised in San Francisco, California, the son of the late Jane Burkett Ashford (b. San Francisco, California) and the late John Wesson Ashford, Sr. (b. Watkinsville, Georgia). He attended Town School for Boys (class of 1968) and Lick-Wilmerding High School (class of 1972) in San Francisco and then attended the University of Georgia (class of 1976), his father's alma mater. After working at Pacific Gas & Electric Co. in San Francisco, participating in the movement to more efficient use of energy, he obtained his law degree from the University of San Francisco in 1985. Charles practiced law, as well as traded and managed commercial real estate, in the San Francisco Bay Area for many years. In 2006, Charles returned to Athens, Georgia to continue his business pursuits. He was an Eagle Scout, an excellent snow skier, an avid traveler, a member of the Masons, and a mentor to students at King's Bridge Middle School and East Jackson Middle School from 2012 - 2015.

Charles is survived by his wife Laverne and two children from a previous marriage, Taylor Katherine Ashford and Connor Woodson Ashford of Alameda, CA. In addition, he is also survived by brothers John Wesson Ashford, Jr. (Wes and wife Joanne) of Redwood City, CA, Clinton Burkett Ashford (Clint and wife Rebecca) of Athens, GA, Alexander Provost Ashford (Sandy and wife Molly) of Piedmont, CA, 14 nieces and nephews, and several grand-nieces, grand-nephews and step-grandchildren, as well as numerous friends in the San Francisco Bay Area and around Athens, Georgia.

A memorial service for Charles will be held on July 30, 2016, in Athens, Georgia, and another in the San Francisco Bay Area at a later date.

Lord & Stephens West is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com

1953 - 2016