James Eathel Ashe

James Eathel Ashe was born August 31, 1926 in Selmer, TN the son of the late James Acey and Cora Hockaday Ashe.

He was united in marriage to Fonda Ersel Gardner on December 20, 1947. Mrs. Ashe preceded him in death on January 6, 2015. He was a member of the Union Grove United Methodist Church.

In 1965, Eathel and Ersel, through hard work, bought 4 acres of land. Over the years more land was purchased. It was there they raised their two sons, Danny and Hal. Both sons would marry and raise their families on what some call Ashe Hill. Since then, all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren have been able to enjoy the fruits of Eathel and Ersel's labor. Four of the six grandchildren still live on that original land Eathel worked so hard for.

Mr. Ashe worked hard as a truck farmer. Over the years, he grew his famous tomatoes, watermelons, peas and greens. One thing he was passionate about was teaching his kids, grandkids, and even great grandkids a work ethic that no one could match. He taught them that if you want something, you work hard for it.

He never met a stranger and always took care of people. For years he allowed the nurses that took care of his mother to come pick greens every fall and winter. Paw also forgave his grandchildren after they sold his watermelons an cantaloupes at a "major discount." The pick of his crop would be his little "dandies," his great grandchildren. Paw absolutely loved spoiling them and he treasured them most of all. Through three generations, Paw taught his family to dream, never giveup, do good, and work hard.

Mr. Ashe departed this life on March 23, 2017 in Selmer, Tennessee at the age of 90 Years, 6 Months, 23 Days. He is survived by two sons, Danny Gene Ashe and wife Betty of Stantonville, TN, Hal Lynn Ashe and wife Jane of Stantonville, TN; six grandchildren, Scotty Ashe and wife Heather, April Smith and husband Brad, Josh Ashe, Lisa Beavers and husband Steve, Jim Ashe and wife Kelly, and Rebecca Ashe; eight great grandchildren, Matthew Ashe, Ana Grace Ashe, Eli Holcombe, Abagail Ashe, Jacob Ashe, Reece Holcombe, Haydn Smith, and Holdyn Smith; three brothers, Charles Ashe and wife Bess of Selmer, TN, Robert Ashe and wife Doris of Stantonville, TN, Jerry Ashe and wife Margie of Selmer, TN; and a host of extended family and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Ashe was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Hope Elaine Ashe; a grandson, Daniel Wayne Ashe; a sister, Johnnie Ashe; two brothers, Estil Ashe and wife Mildred and Hubert Ashe.