Melvin Ernest Ashmore passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Ardmore, Tennessee at the age of 83. He was born on April 12, 1942, in Lawrence County, Tennessee to the late Ola and Lula Mae Ashmore who instilled in him a strong work ethic, but most importantly showed him how to love the Lord.

He is survived by his sons, Joseph and Kevin Ashmore of Summertown, TN, their mother, Ruby Ashmore of Summertown, TN, grandson, Jerrid (Kaylee) Ashmore of Hohenwald, TN, brothers Millard (Joyce) Ashmore of Summertown, TN and David (Jodi) Ashmore of Hohenwald, TN and sisters, Jennie Cotton and Ruth (Tony) Brock of Summertown, TN along with a cherished niece and nephews.

During his youth, he had many interests, from hunting, fishing and riding stick horses ultimately trading the stick horses for fast cars and looking forward to the opportunity for the next race.

As a young adult he traveled all over Middle and Southern Tennessee prospecting for Phosphate, often times with his father. He regularly spoke about his father riding to work with him and his father’s frequent discussions as to his lack of maintaining the speed limit.

As with so many during his era, he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. At the conclusion of his service, he was honorably discharged having attained the rank of Sergeant.

Upon returning home, he later began a trade in construction that truly became his calling in life. He prided himself in building the best quality homes for his clients whether it was new construction or restoring homes built long ago. His talents were also put to task with not only building homes but with building churches as well. His love of the Lord and willingness to serve allowed him to aid many churches and congregations throughout his life while applying the gift God had given him.

Of all the things he was given in his life, one of his most cherished was his grandson. As great of a father he was, he was made to be a grandfather. He loved nothing more than the time he got to spend with him. From watching him push a wooden duck through the Natchez Trace woods until the handle broke – to following him all over the United States as he competed in shooting sports – to sharing time with him on wood working projects. It was the times spent with his boys that brought him the most joy and that time for them was the most precious inheritance he could have given in return.

The family of Melvin Ashmore would like to say a special thank you to the many doctors who have cared for him at both the Nashville VA Medical Center and the Alvin C. York Medical Center in Murfreesboro as well as the staff of Gentiva Hospice and Elk River Nursing Home.

Visitation with family and friends will begin at 5:00 PM, on Friday, May 30, 2025, at The Tabernacle, located at 400 Monument Road in Summertown, Tennessee. A Celebration of Life will be conducted at The Tabernacle on Saturday, May 31, 2025, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM up until service time at 11:00 AM with Brother Darrell Bewley officiating. Burial will follow at the Barnesville Cemetery in Summertown, Tennessee with military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly request any desired donation be made to a program of their choice benefiting United States Veterans.