Wallace O'Dell Ashley, 84, beloved husband of Troyce Anne Chapman Ashley, of Honea Path, SC, died peacefully in his sleep on April 7, 2022 at his home. Born in Honea Path on the family farm on Sept. 2, 1937, he was the son of the late Lemuel Charles (L.C.) and Elsie Mae McClellan Ashley. He graduated Anderson Boys High School, class of 1956, and attended Newberry College on a football scholarship. After graduating from Erskine College in 1961 with a BS in Education, he began his career with Esso Corp. as Service Station General Salesman in Columbia, SC, and then Orlando, FL. Following a return to his native SC, he was employed by SC Vocational Rehabilitation, Anderson-Oconee Office, as Evaluator/Production Coordinator. In the mid-1970's, he purchased Craytonville Grocery with lifelong friend Bill Bates. He then opened A and B Tractor and Tire Co. and remained the sole proprietor until his retirement. Not long after, though, he reentered the workforce and served with the Anderson County Roads Department. He formally retired in 2000 and he and his wife enjoyed vacations in the mountains and at the seashore and spending time with family and friends. An avid farmer for over 50 years, he cultivated the land owned by generations of his people. His greatest pleasure was in watching things grow. He was a 22-year veteran of US Army Reserves and retired as First Sergeant. During his long life, he served in several volunteer capacities. He coached football teams for the Anderson Salvation Army Boys Club and YMCA, officiated for the SC High School Football League, served as a board member and chair of Anderson-Oconee Behavioral Health Services, and taught Sunday School (the Welcome Class) at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 50-Honea Path, member of the Masonic Order-Hiram Lodge, an avid supporter of the NRA, and member of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church. He was long known for his birthday card ministry to family and friends, community and church members. In addition to his wife of the home, he is survived by daughter Alison Darby (Steve), son Chip Ashley (Michelle), and grandchildren Christian Ashley, Courtney Ashley (Jamie), Cassidy Ashley, Connor Ashley (Julia Paige), Philip Darby (Kaila) and Sloane Darby (Hans); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Joyce Parham, Argyle Welborn, and Nancy Smith, nieces Lynley Smith and Lisa Floyd and nephews Marty Welborn and Justin Chapman. Pallbearers are his grandsons Christian Ashley, Jamie Hough, Connor Ashley, Philip Darby, and nephews Ashley Smith and Blake Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Frog's Boys. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Upstate and nurse Jennifer Fogarty and aide Robert Plott, and his caregivers Sonja Scott, Mary Hawthorne, Chalacy Hawthorne, Melissa Ellison, Dora Lea Banister, Teresa Taylor, Jordan Bradley, Melody Holmes, Porsche Bennett and Veronica Walker for their faithful love and care during his 10-week illness. A celebration of life service will be held at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, Belton, SC, conducted by his brothers-in-law the Rev. Dr. C. Mitchell Brooks and the Rev. Ben Chapman, and his pastor the Rev. Mark Krieger on Monday, April 11, 2022 , at 11:30 AM. Beginning at 10:30 AM, the family will receive friends in the sanctuary prior to the service. Interment with military honors to follow at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice or Wounded Warrior Project (P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516). Events Visitation Monday, April 11, 2022 10:30AM - 11:30AM Mt Bethel Baptist Church 2603 Due West Hwy Belton, SC 29627-9162 Phone: (864) 296-1861 Celebration of life service Monday, April 11, 2022 11:30AM Mt Bethel Baptist Church 2603 Due West Hwy Belton, SC 29627-9162 Phone: (864) 296-1861 Final Resting Place Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery 2603 Due West Highway Belton, SC 29627