Douglas “Michael” Ashley, 76, of Shanghai, Va., passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, surrounded by his family. Michael remained devoted to his family, friends, and the life he loved until his passing. Michael was a 1969 graduate of York Academy High School. He was a natural athlete, playing baseball, basketball, and football throughout his high school years. Michael was a standout at any sports game, but he really shined on the football field. He still holds several rushing records and was unanimously named All Conference Running back his Junior Year. Michael went on to play football at the collegiate level for Chowan College in Murfreesboro, N.C.
Michael would make the trip home from Murfreesboro any chance he could to go to work in the woods with his father and brothers. Before returning for his junior year at Chowan, he made the decision to stay home and work fulltime in the family logging business, his true passion. Michael went on to become Vice President and later President of Ashley Logging Company. He successfully owned and operated Ashley Logging Company until 2019 when his health began to fail him.
A passionate hunter, Michael also loved competing in clay shooting events and spending time outdoors. Michael was a longtime member of King and Queen Sportsman Hunt Club, serving as president for many years, and was better known by his CB Handle “Sugar Foot.” Michael loved watching football, basketball, attending games at his son’s Alma mater, N.C. State University, and in later years he especially enjoyed watching the WNBA. He was a lifelong member of Lower King and Queen Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon.
Michael was a loving father and grandfather whose calm confidence and character spoke louder than words. Michael was respected by many and admired by all who knew him. He was a man amongst men and will be greatly missed. Michael leaves behind a legacy of strength, integrity, and kindness.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Evelyn Ashley; siblings, Sonny, Tommy, Bobby, and Camb Ashley. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Pamela, with whom he shared 39 wonderful years of marriage; his four beloved children, Brian Ashley (Kara), Taylor Miller, Amber Kurfees (Andy), and Skylar Ashley; grandchildren, Will, Chandler, and Harrison Ashley, Grayson Miller, Riggs Michael Kurfees and Rhodes Kurfees. Michael is also survived by his sister, Jean Jeffreys (Michael); sisters-in-law, Dorothy, Bertha, Wilma, and Myrna Ashley, and Tricia Reed (Jeff); two goddaughters, Melissa Larimer and Brooke Shores; as well as many loving nieces and nephews; and his beloved chocolate lab, Timber.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, August 20 at Vincent Funeral Home, 417 11th Street, West Point, Va. A funeral service was held at 3 p.m., Friday, August 21 at Lower King and Queen Baptist Church, 204 Timber Branch Road, Mascot, Va. 23108, with interment following in the church cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Lower King and Queen Baptist Church, c/o T.O. Longest, P.O. Box 126, King and Queen Courthouse, Va. 23085, or to Riverside Walter Reed Hospice, 6567 George Washington Memorial Hwy., Suite B, Gloucester, Va. 23061.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to UVA Memory Care, Dr. Sarah West, and the entire Riverside Walter Reed Hospice team for the exceptional care they provided to Michael. Tributes may be posted at www.vincentfh.com.