Murray Lee Ashford

NAME: Murray Lee Ashford AGE:84 RESIDENT OF: Visalia DATE OF DEATH: 5-8-2015 OCCUPATION: Diesel Mechanic PLACE OF DEATH: Visalia Murray Lee Ashford 12/31/30-5/8/15 Murray Lee Ashford, age 84, of Farmersville, CA passed away on Friday, May 8, 2015 in Visalia, CA. Murray was born on Dec. 31, 1930 in Shawnee, OK to Grace Blanche and Roy (Dewey) Ashford. He came to CA with his parents and seven siblings at a young age, settling in Visalia, CA where he attended elementary school through high school. He was married to his first wife, Elaine Allen, in his early twenties, and they had two children together. Murray worked for Visalia Unified Bus Transport as a mechanic foreman and retired from that position after thirty-five years. In the latter part of his life, Murray took up many hobbies; amongst them were making custom rings out of authentic silverware, as well as making custom accessories for cowboy hats and boots. He also had an avid passion for collecting, riding, and racing various types of motorcycles. Murray is preceded in death by three of his siblings; Roy Ashford of Visalia, CA, Vera Akers of Antioch, CA and Ruby England of Visalia, CA. He is survived by four of his siblings; Willie Ashford of Visalia CA, Wilma Ashford of Morrow Bay, CA , Loreta Simon of Tulare, CA, and Don Ashford of Utah. In addition, he is survived by his son, Murray (Brent) Ashford of Farmersville, CA his Daughter Sheila McMath of Visalia, CA, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Murray lived a life full of passion. He never knew a stranger; he had his own unique style, and was always the life of the party. For those he leaves behind, the world will be a lot less colorful in his absence. A memorial service to celebrate Murray’s larger-than-life persona will be held at 3838 S. Court St. at the Visalia Community Church of Christ on May 18, 2015 from 11:00 AM till 1:00 PM. SURVIVED BY: PRECEDED IN DEATH BY: VISITATION: (none) SERVICES: a memorial service will be held from 11 AM till 1 PM on May 18, 2015 at Visalia Community Church of Christ, 3838 S. Court St. Visalia CA. BURIAL: (Private) A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Murray Lee Ashford

December 3, 1930 - May 8, 2015