Ronnie “Droopy” Ashley, age 82, passed away on March 11, 2026.
He was born on February 17, 1944, to Corkey and Juanita Ashley. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Lonnie Ashley; and his niece, Angela Ashley.
Ronnie is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Martha Jo Ashley. He was the devoted father of Shane Ashley (Gayla), Kim Thornton (Joe), Tera Melber (David), Brandi Crum (Bart), and bonus daughter, Phyllis Ann Kincaid. He was the proud grandfather of 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Roger Ashley (Kim); his dear cousin, Helen Phillips (Darrell); and many nieces and nephews-too many to count.
Ronnie faithfully served McCracken County for 40 years with the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, where he helped establish the county’s first K-9 unit and served on the tactical response team.
A member of Lone Oak Baptist Church, Ronnie valued the friendships he built there, especially with members of his Sunday School class.
He volunteered with Cassidy’s Cause, using his gift for leatherwork to repair and create saddles and other items to support the ministry. Ronnie was known as someone who could fix almost anything and build nearly anything if he had a pattern.
He loved horses and keeping his yard mowed. Mondays often found him at the horse and junk sales in Mayfield, where he could visit with friends. Those who knew Droopy knew he was a master storyteller and loved searching for treasures for family and friends. He also enjoyed watching westerns, especially Gunsmoke. Even in the last year of his life, Ronnie found joy in passing out small Jesus figures to anyone he met.
He loved his family deeply and was immensely proud of each one of them.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with David Melber officiating.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Cassidy’s Cause, a ministry close to Ronnie’s heart. 6075 Clinton Road, Paducah, KY 42001.
