Charles Robert Ashley

On November 7, 2018, the world lost a generous man and devoted husband. Charles R. Ashley, 78, passed away suddenly in his home in Oklahoma City, after a day that included patriotically exercising his right to vote. Charlie was born to Roy E. and Margaret Genevieve (Dice) Ashley, in "the coal camps of West Virginia," as he described the town of Winona. He was a two-sport athlete at Alderson Broaddus College, where he received his B.S. in Natural Science. He worked his way through college, largely as a radiologic technologist in the local hospital. He later earned his master's degree from Pace University. After graduation, Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a communications officer (Lieutenant). He managed the communications department of the U.S. Naval Station in Charleston, S.C. Upon completion of active duty, he joined the Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company, beginning a long career in telecommunications and working his way up with AT&T in marketing and public affairs. He served as the Division Manager for Public Affairs and was chosen as AT&T's corporate representative in the President's Executive Exchange Program to the U.S. Department of Commerce. While working in the Washington, D.C. office of AT&T in 1983, Charlie met the love of his life, Nancy. He moved to Oklahoma City with her in 1987, where he began a second career in consulting and environmental services management. He contributed to his adopted hometown in many ways, including as an adjunct professor in the Meinders School of Business, where he taught Business Strategy, Marketing, Management, and Communications. He served as Director of Development in the Office of Alumni and Development at the OU Health Sciences Center, and he subsequently obtained his real estate license and joined Metro Mark Realtors. In addition to his wife and dearest companion of over thirty years, Nancy Coats-Ashley, Charlie is survived by his four children: Kimberly Cetron (Adam) of Fairfax, VA; Kent (Meg) of Centreville, VA, Kyle (Bridget) of Weirton, WV, and Kevin of Burke, VA; his two stepchildren, Leslie Batchelor (Scott Williams) of Oklahoma City, and Kevin Batchelor (Tracy) of Alexandria, VA; and his grandchildren, Gabriel Cetron, Daniel and Brianna Casucci, Hadley Batchelor, and Kate and Abby Williams. Charlie was a long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and always looked forward to the weekly lunch of the "ROMEOS" at Full Circle Bookstore. He was a certified open water diver, enjoyed telling jokes, occasionally wrote country western lyrics, and faithfully cheered on his West Virginia Mountaineers. Charlie gave regularly to numerous charities. Those wishing to commemorate his life are encouraged to donate to a charity of your choice. The family will gather for a private memorial service.