Dennis Ashburn

Waynesville, Dennis Ray Ashburn, age 68, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2020 at the John F. Keever Solace Center.

He was the son of late Ray and Ruth Barber Ashburn.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, JonJon.  Dennis lived mostly in Milton, North Carolina, Galax, Virginia, Stuart, Florida and Waynesville.  Dennis spent most of his life working with his hands creating objects with iron and stone.  He also traveled almost every state driving a truck.  His culinary skills were also notorious.

Dennis was a man of strong passions.  He was devoted to his friends, his family, his wife and his Lord.  Dennis laughed easily, played and worked hard, and loved well.
His family has always adored him and treasured the gatherings together.  He lit up a room like no other, and when he sang and played the guitar, he captivated everyone. We will miss his deep voice proclaiming his love, dedication and gratitude to each of us.

Dennis was well loved and respected by many.  We will all remember the twinkle in his eyes, a reflection from his remarkable soul.  He loved his friends fiercely and was loyal to them.  Dennis will be missed by his AA community members, the Emmaus Community and church family with whom he served selflessly, supporting and loving others unconditionally.  He was 14.96 years, 179.64 months, 5,468 days, and 131,226 hours alcohol free, sober one day at a time.  11-04-2005 was his sobriety date.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Laura Martin Ashburn; son, Christopher Scott Ashburn of Asheville, and Chris’s fiancé, Shirah Lee; stepson, Ian Martin of Waynesville; sister, Gail Marie Colavolpe, and her husband, Bob, of Bluffton, South Carolina; brother, Gary Ashburn, and his wife, Patsy, of Virginia; mother-in-law, Sandra M. Martin; brothers-in-law, Tom and Ken Martin; and "PawPa" to granddaughter, Harper Lynne Martin; brother-in-love, Kevin Turner; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews and dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at the Wells Events & Reception Center.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at the Wells Events & Reception Center.

A live stream of the service will be available via Laura Martin Ashburn's Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to AA’s Global Headquarters, General Service Office, Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163.

The care of Mr. Ashburn has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes.