John Gilmer Ashby, Jr, age 83, of Galax, VA passed away on May 15, 2023 at Waddell Nursing home, after a short illness.

John was born July 10th, 1939 to the late Gilmer and Dorothy Ashby of Galax, VA. After graduating from Galax High. School, he went on to study Finance Administration at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He was a member of the  VA Tech Corp of Cadets. Upon graduation in 1962 he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant  in the U.S. Army and went on to serve two years in the Army at Ft. Benning, Georgia.  After finishing his service,  he moved to Memphis, TN where he worked in finance until his retirement.

John won several golf tournaments while he lived in Memphis and was the club champion three times at his home course, Windyke Country Club. He then moved back to Galax to pursue his favorite hobby, golf at the Galax Country Club. He was fond of playing with his cousin Bernard Lindsey, who he always enjoyed beating. He will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, love of golf and his sly sense of humor with a smile.

He is survived by Bernard Lindsey (Linda) of North Myrtle Beach, SC and several other cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday , June 1st 2023 at the Gladeville Methodist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Richard Gregory officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Grayson VFW Post 7726. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully request donations be made to the Galax Public Library.