On October 10, 2018, Paul Jennings Ashley stepped into heaven to the rejoicing of friends and family waiting for him there. He was born in Columbia on May 3, 1935, the youngest child of Nonie Ross Nelson Ashley and Ernest P. Ashley, Sr.

He was predeceased by all of his siblings: Edmond L. (Ham) Nelson (Genie and Selena), Zola N. Murden (Ralph and Cue), Beatrice N. Armstrong (Earl), Mary N. Hawley (Jimmy and Grover), Ernest P. Ashley, Jr. (Dolores), Kenneth J. Ashley (Thelma), Missouri A. Riddle (Obie), his mother and father-in-law, Mary J. and R. Odell Caulder, and his beloved only son, Kenneth Scott Ashley.

He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-five years, Bonnie C. Ashley; his two daughters, Paula J. Ashley and Cynthia Ashley Gillis (Michael); three grandchildren: Brian M. Shealy, Jordan Harris Campbell, Stephanie Gillis Besselievre (Mitch); and great-grandson, John Ross Harris Keaveney. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Dolores Ashley, and many dearly-loved nieces, nephews and friends. Paul loved being a surrogate parent and grandparent to the children of his special friends: the late Boyd E. and Carolyn Derrick and the late Edward L. and Betty King.

Paul graduated from Eau Claire High School where he played third base for the Shamrocks. For years, he continued to play baseball and softball in numerous church and city leagues.

Paul's parents were charter members of Colonial Heights Baptist Church, where he served as an ordained deacon. For many years, he taught Sunday School, served as Training Union Director, and acted in many other roles. Later in life, he continued to teach Sunday School at Chapin Baptist Church and, finally, was a member at St. Andrews Baptist Church. He sought to know and do God's will.

Paul worked at the University of South Carolina for forty-three years. He began as an electrician's apprentice, moved up to Master Electrician and worked as the University's Head Electrician until the opening of the Carolina Coliseum. At that time, he became the Assistant Director and Operations Manager where he served until his retirement. He loved the University and always said how good the University was to him. He also loved being part of the entertainment world and was present for every show and every game.

A burial service will take place on Friday, October 12, at 2:00 p.m. at Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens, 2603 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. The celebration service will occur on Saturday, October 13, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrews Baptist Church, 230 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Visitation and a reception will follow the service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oliver Gospel Mission, 1100 Taylor St., Columbia 29201 or Boys Farm, Inc., P. O. Box 713, Newberry, SC 29108, two organizations whose missions were important to him.