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William Earl “Bill” Ashe, age 76, of Surfside Beach, SC, passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Waccamaw Hospital in Murrells Inlet following a short battle with lymphoma. He is survived by his daughter Lauren Ashe of Lexington, KY, and his sister Linda Ashe of Hampton, VA. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Alan Gardner Ashe, age 9 months (died 1982). Bill’s father Gardner Ashe was a B-17 gunner during WWII with the “Mighty 8th” Air Force and his mother Laurie Ashe was a sergeant in the Royal Air Force Intelligence Branch. Bill was born February 5, 1947 in Wilson, NC. He graduated from Ralph L. Fike High School in 1965. Bill achieved the rank of sergeant in the United States Air Force, serving from 1966 to 1970. During that time he was stationed at Hof Air Station, Germany with the 606th Aircraft Control & Warning squadron, working as a communications center specialist. He received the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. After discharge, he completed his bachelors degree in accounting at Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) and then received his master’s degree in business from Central Michigan University. His career took him to Raleigh, NC where worked for Carolina Power & Light, later named Progress Energy, for 29 years as a purchasing agent. In 2006 he achieved his dream of relocating to the beach where he joined the staff of the City of North Myrtle Beach and later worked for Horry County, both in procurement. Bill’s life was rich with hobbies and interests. In his younger years he was an avid sportsman enjoying fishing and hunting waterfowl. He was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about firearms of all kinds. He enjoyed periodic golf trips around the southeast with friends. He loved cars, specifically hot rods and dirt track racing. And if there was any kind of ballgame on, he was tuning in. He particularly loved watching the Atlanta Braves. One of his biggest passions was music. Over the years many of his friends received copies of his homemade beach music compilations. He volunteered to promote up-and-coming beach music bands by sending their demos to DJs around the country and many credit him with their success. As an outgoing, engaging, and gifted storyteller and current events commentator, Bill touched the lives of countless people, displaying a gift for wit and wry humor throughout all the years of his life, even in the days of his final illness. A memorial service for Bill will be held on Saturday, September 23rd at 2pm at Goldfinch Funeral Homes Beach Chapel,11528 Frontage Rd. Murrells Inlet, SC. The service will be followed by a reception. Further details may be requested from Lauren Ashe by email (laurenashe@icloud.com)

Tributes

William Earl "Bill" Ashe

February 5, 1947 - September 7, 2023