Ravadean Ashley Sr. was born on March 11, 1936, in Florence, South Carolina, to the union of Bessie and Haywood Ashley. He was the seventh of nine children.

He spent his early years in Florence before joining the United States Army at the early age of 17 in August of 1955, serving as a rigger. During more than 20 years of dedicated military service, Mr. Ashley was stationed at several duty locations across the United States, from Louisiana to Alaska, and proudly completed two tours of combat service in Vietnam.

On October 6, 1955, he married the love of his life, his "baby baby," as he affectionately called her, Mary Alice Cooper. Their union was blessed with two children: a daughter, Cynthia, born two  years later, and a son, Dino, born six years after that.  After retiring from the military, Mr. Ashley continued his strong work ethic as a foreman  in the pipefitting department at the Newport News Shipyard, where he worked for 24 years.

A man of deep faith, Ravadean Ashley believed strongly in building, strengthening, and encouraging others, and he proudly shared the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere he went.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter and son, several grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him dearly.  Ravadean Ashley received his final duty assignment on February 3, 2026.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Viewing will be held Monday, February 9, 2026 from 12 Noon until 5:00 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. A funeral service will be held 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at the chapel. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.