Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Eugene “Hard Rock” Ashe

05/22/1938 - 06/29/2019

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Obituary For Mr. Eugene “Hard Rock” Ashe

Mr. Eugene Ashe, known to his fellow veterans as “Hard Rock”, was born to Virginius S. Ashe Sr. and Theresa Louise Bland Ashe on May 22, 1938 in The Bronx, NY.

After a brief illness, God called Eugene home on June 29, 2019. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, Mentor, and friend.

While his presence will be greatly missed, his spirit and the memories that he left overnight in our hearts and lives forever. All Eugene’s early education took place in The Bronx.

After graduating from Morris High School, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served on active duty and in the Reserves before retiring as a Sergeant Major. Eugene also briefly served as the New York City Transit Police Officer before joining the New York City Fire Department from which he also retired. Eugene’s passions were his model trains and music, especially that old time gospel music. His favorite hobbies were fishing and gardening and he graciously gave away his harvest and catch. He was also extremely active in community improvement, contributing his time and effort whenever and wherever needed. On June 29, 1968, Eugene married the love of his life Rise Carrol Carey. From this union was born there one daughter, Stacy Moyette Ashe

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Velma; brothers, Virginius Jr. (Stretch), Melvin, Donald, and sister, Bunny.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife and lifelong love, Rise; his adored daughter and heart, Stacy; his grandson and world, Tahzee; brother, Maurice and sister-in-law, Theresa; sister, Edna Patricia (Pat); sister-in-law, Francine, brother John Bland and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and special nephews, Anthony (Tony) Ashe and Phillip Kendrick Haskins.

Funeral service will be 2:00pm Saturday July 6, 2019 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley with Bishop Fred T. Simms officiating.

Friends may call two hours prior to the service.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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03/30/2021

J. Kelly

I am saddened to learn of Sgt Ashe's passing. We served together at different periods of time in the USMC. His nickname then was John Wayne (with the the utmost of respect) because he would often call other marines that name. He was a Marine's Marine. The world and the corps are little dimmer without him. God bless you Eugene! "...and to old St Peter tell; another reporting sir, I've spent my time in Hell." God speed Eugene
07/03/2019

William Gilbert

It is with a great deal of sadness that I find myself writing this. Over the past two years I had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Ashe... I would be tickled each time he said " The name is Eugene" and I'd simply reply "Ok Mr. Ashe.. We had lots of talks on alot of subjects, and I would take absolutely nothing for the wisdom that he always shared with me. He will always be loved , missed and respected by me. Mrs. Ressee and the entire Ashe family will be constantly in our thoughts and prayers. The Bible says that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.... Sadly submitted Deacon William T Gilbert...
07/03/2019

Pamela Payne

I met Mr. Ashe at Beckley Newspapers, he would always come in and place an announcement. We always struck up a good conversation and our friendship lasted for years. It was always a joy to see him come in with that big smile on his face. His stories of his wife and children, whom you can tell he loved was always enjoyed. He would always listen to my stories just the same. I hate to hear of his passing. My condolences to his many loved ones and friends.