Billy Gene Ashley

1928 - 2015

Billy Gene Ashley
May 17, 1928-Mar. 28, 2015
Aptos, California
Billy Gene Ashley age 86, a longtime resident of Aptos, succumbed to cancer on March 28, 2015. He was born on May 17,1928 in San Jose, CA to Vernon and Mabel (Ogden) Ashley.
He spent his childhood in San Jose and graduated from Santa Clara Union High School in 1946. Shortly after high school he attended an open try out for baseball. He spent the next 6 yrs traveling the country as a professional minor league baseball player. He married Bonnie L. Clark on Feb.7,1953. Billy was drafted into the US Army and served during the Korean War. He was an avid sports fan, hunter and outdoorsman. He often coached Pony & Colt League baseball teams and assisted with Little League teams. Billy also volunteered his time as a member of the Sheriff's posse conducting search and rescue with his horse Ringo. Locally known as the "Mayor of Townsend Dr" for his friendly greetings and his heartfelt concerns for all.
Billy was proceeded in death by his four year old daughter Vicki Sue; his brothers Leland, and Jack; sister Vernona. He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie; daughter Barbara Smith (Bob) of San Jose, CA; sons Richard Ashley (Kathy) of Sierra Vista, AZ and Kenneth Ashley (Sandra) of Capitola, CA; twin sister Betty Green of Roseburg Ore. and sister Mabel "Sugar" Ervin of Half Moon Bay, CA; his grandchildren Vicki, Talia, Gordon, Kelli, Jennifer, Kristopher, Jennifer, Charnelle and 11 great grandchildren.
Private internment services will be held at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Francisco.