top of page
Writer's pictureAshley Insurance

In Memory of Bob Ashley, agency founder, former owner

Updated: May 28

Ashley Insurance Agency and the entire Ashley family extend heartfelt thanks to everyone as we celebrated the life of Bob Ashley, the agency's founder and former agency owner. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, and he leaves behind an unmatched legacy of service.


Bob Ashley's career in insurance spanned over five decades. After working for Ross Conley - State Farm agency in 1975, Bob founded Ashley Insurance Agency in 1983, an independent insurance agency in Spencer.


Through hard work, dedication, and a "service above all else" attitude, Bob grew the business by leaps and bounds. He built and maintained long-term relationships with many clients, and was proud to provide peace of mind to those who needed it. Bob signed a contract with Erie Insurance and Farmers & Mechanics Insurance in 1983, and both companies remain a strong partner to the agency today.


Over the years, Bob has been recognized with many honors in the industry and from his carriers. He earned seventeen consecutive Founders Awards from Erie and was recognized as the 2017 recipient of the Earle S. Dillard West Virginia Independent Agent of the Year.


Simultaneously, Bob served for 30 years in the West Virginia Legislature as a member of the House of Delegates and the State Senate. There he championed, sponsored, and co-sponsored many important laws and regulations to help all West Virginians, and especially Roane Countians. Later, he was appointed in January 2017 to serve as Legislative Director for West Virginia Governor Jim Justice.


In September 2021, Bob was given the "Distinguished West Virginian" Award by Governor Jim Justice for his remarkable years of service to the state.


Bob was incredibly proud to have sold his insurance business to his son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Suzette Ashley in 2020. Even after retiring, he loved continuing to refer his friends and prospects to have his family take care of their insurance needs. Ben, Suzette, and agents Lura Lowe and Sara Scott are proud to carry the tradition of "service above all else" to all of our agency's clients.


Celebration of Life service for Bob Ashley at the State Capitol Culture Center on May 20, 2024

A Celebration of Life in remembrance of Bob Ashley was held at the State Capitol Culture Center on Monday, May 20, 2024, where Governor Jim Justice and legislative leaders shared heartfelt remarks. State flags were flown at half-staff on Wednesday, May 22 in both Charleston and Roane County. Funeral Services were held Wednesday morning, and Bob was laid to rest in the Amma Cemetery in Amma, WV.


Whether it was his work in the statehouse, in business, in his community, or for his family, Bob Ashley lived his life devoted in service to others. He loved doing everything he could to make West Virginia a better place for everyone to raise their families.


In Memory of Bob, the Ashley family suggests making a donation to the Roane County College Scholarship Foundation to provide opportunities for young people from the area that Bob cared so much for. Donations may be mailed to Roane County College Scholarship Foundation, Inc., c/o Paul Hughes, 804 Summit Street, Spencer, WV 25276. You may also make a donation online.



The House of Delegate's official Concurrent Resolution 101 commemorating the life of Bob Ashley can be found here: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hcr101%20intr.htm&yr=2024&sesstype=1X&i=101&houseorig=h&billtype=cr


Official legislative photos from the Celebration of Life service can be found here: https://westvirginialegislature.smugmug.com/2024/2024-Misc/May-20-2024-Bob-Ashley-Memorial-Service



294 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page