From David Stanley
My cousin, Wiley Ross Ashley, Jr., Col., USAF, Lanier Class of 1959, passed away on June 9, 2025, at his home in Fairhope, AL, surrounded by his wife and children. He is also survived by his sister, Lila Dryer, in Montgomery, and her side of the family—plans to be announced.
Colonel Wiley Ross Ashley, Jr. USAF (Ret).
Wiley Ashley, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away on June 9, 2025, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Wiley is survived by his loving wife, Christine Ashley; his son, the Honorable Wiley Ross Ashley, III (Lauren); his son, Lt. Col. John R. Ashley, USAF (Ret.) (Tracey); his daughter, Jenny A. Underwood (Hugh); and 10 grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by two stepchildren, Sam Gilfillan (Mary) and Molly Gilfillan Opferman (Joe), as well as three step-grandchildren.
Wiley grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, and graduated from Sidney Lanier High School. Following graduation, Wiley attended Auburn University, where he volunteered to be commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. Wiley's military service included service in the Vietnam conflict, where he received the Bronze Star, as well as postings in Texas, Germany, Alabama, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., along with numerous overseas deployments worldwide. While stationed at the Pentagon, Wiley attended school at night and on weekends to earn his MBA from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. Wiley received numerous decorations and awards during his time in military service, and upon retirement, he was awarded the Legion of Merit. Wiley returned to Montgomery, Alabama, at the end of his military service and eventually retired to Gulf Shores, Alabama, where he made a full and happy life.
Wiley developed a great love of sailing. He had his home on the water with his sailboat out front. Wiley and his wife, Christine, spent countless happy days over the years sailing Liberte. They shared a love of church, sailing, reading, and family, but most of all, a love for family.
Wiley's wishes were to be cremated and buried at sea with a small memorial service for family.