James Richard Ash's Obituary
James Richard Ash passed to his heavenly home on August 12, 2014. He was born February 26, 1931 in Hope, AR., and accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at age 9. He graduated from Longview High School, Kilgore College, and attended S. M. U., the University of Texas at Dallas, and General Motors Institute, Flint, MI. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 until 1954 as a carrier-based Combat AirCrewman, flying in an AD-4N Skyraider, and survived a ditching at sea off Korea. Richard worked in heavy equipment financing and truck marketing for two divisions of General Motors Corp, retiring from GMC Truck and Coach Division. He was responsible for fleet sales and dealer development throughout the U. S. and helped to introduce both the GMC Motorhome and Dealer Heavy Truck Leasing. Following retirement, he researched and completed a book on his family’s genealogy.
Richard was a member of Longview’s First Baptist Church and a member and Past Master of the Longview Masonic Lodge #404, the Scottish Rite and Hella Shrine, both of Dallas, for over 50 years. In his younger years he rode with the much-traveled and honored Hella Shrine Black Horse Patrol and was an active Gideon for many years. In recent years he was President of the East Texas History Club.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Mary Ash; brother Bill and his wife Ceil; and nephew Kenneth Ash. He is survived by his wife, Elma; daughter K. K.; brothers Hub of Augusta, GA; and David and wife Bobbie, of Santa Ana, CA; nieces, Mrs. Tom (Patti) Cook and daughter Hayley; and Mrs. Eric (Kathy) Eason and their children Anthony, Natalie, and Valerie, all of Longview; as well as many nieces and nephews living out of State. Also mourning his passing are Elma’s daughter, Joan Rogerson, and granddaughter, Rachel Rogerson of Dallas.
Services will be held at 1pm on Saturday, August 16 in the Ford Chapel of First Baptist Church in Longview with Dr. Cary Hilliard and Dr. David English officiating. Graveside services will be held at Gum Springs Cemetery following the funeral. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 15 from 5-7pm at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children, 2222 Welborn St., Dallas, TX 75219 or the charity of your choice.
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