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Ashley, Tommy Lee

November 6, 1947 –
 July 16, 2018

Obituary

Born in McKinney, Texas on November 6, 1947 to the late William E. Ashley and Mary Nadine Jones Ashley, Tommy was the only son in a family with three sisters. In second grade, someone told Tommy he wasn’t smart—and he always believed that, despite many others disagreeing with that assessment throughout his life. As a child, Tommy spent much of his time disappearing outside to do who knows what, which would always worry his older sister to no end. By high school, he joined the football team at McKinney High School where he was deemed a standout tackle and kicker. In his senior year, his classmates understandably bestowed on him the title of “Most Popular.” Tommy attended Grayson College for a few years before he left to apply to the McKinney police force. While still a rookie, a domestic violence assailant killed Tommy’s partner and shot and wounded Tommy. Upon awakening in the hospital, one of Tommy’s first thoughts was that he had chosen not to spend a nickel to add cheese to the burger he had eaten before being shot. After that, he vowed to “always get the cheese.” And that became his motto for life. Shortly thereafter, Tommy joined the Plano Police Department where he spent the next 34 years. He would often say that he had concluded the best way not to get shot again was to move up in the ranks.  So he did. He retired in 2005 with the rank of Captain. During his tenure with the Plano Police Department, Tommy received numerous citizen commendations, as well as the department’s Valor Award. One incident, in particular, was very memorable for him. He had entered a building where an active shooter was threatening police and residents. In his usual humorous, self-deprecating manner, Tommy later said he entered the building primarily because it was cold outside and he wanted to get warm. In so doing, though, he saved many others from being shot. Tommy’s commitment to always “get the cheese” led him to new ways to express himself. He learned how to pilot small planes, ski and play golf. And he loved to travel, regaling friends and family with stories about his adventures. One of his favorite stories involved his developing a severe gastrointestinal illness while on a trip to England. A traveling companion went to a nearby store and picked up an OTC medication recommended by the pharmacist. Tommy recalled he awoke several days later feeling much better. Seems the “OTC medication” contained a mix of morphine and another medication. After retiring in 2005, Tommy lived and traveled in Mexico, thoroughly enjoying his time there. People of all ages were attracted to his charismatic charm. He would often say that Mexico always made him realize how very rich he was. So he would bring thousands of suckers on his journeys, driving through small villages and throwing them out to all the kids playing outdoors. He would also throw new balls directly into soccer games because he loved seeing the astonished looks on their faces. His travels in Mexico were cut short when he and his traveling partner were arrested one day and had to spend the night in jail after police found a small amount of ammunition in his car (Mexico had and still has a ban on any ammunition being brought into the country). After spending almost $20,000 to clear his name, Tommy decided to end his travels to and in Mexico. Tommy was someone who found dignity in people from all walks of life. He always made a point of learning a person’s first name regardless of whether that person was a Sonic carhop or a UTSW neuro oncologist. Above all, Tommy will always be remembered by those who knew him as a man with a kind heart, an unbounded generosity of spirit, and a robust sense of humor. One could not be in his presence for very long without laughing. His girlfriend of many years once said that it was good he was funny because his humor allowed him to get away with a lot. And that assessment amused him. Tommy Lee Ashley is survived by Karen Risser, his longtime “best gal and pie eating partner,” and his sisters Nancy Kruse (Jackie), Sara Young, and Sharon Butler (Clarence), as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Through the years his sisters came to be known not by their names but rather as “Tommy Ashley’s sister”—and that pleased them greatly. Tommy had special place in his heart for his nephew, Blake Butler, who shared his love of shooting and spending a day at the gun range—one of his favorite places. A connoisseur of cheese, chicken fried steak, shrimp and, of course, pie, Tommy will be sorely missed by all those whose lives were touched by him. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, July 22, 2018 at Cross Creek Ranch located at 3406 Dublin Road, Parker, Texas 75022. Arrangements are under the direction of ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home 19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700  

    KATHLEEN A WHITLOW
    20 Jul 2018
    2:09pm

    We are across the street neighbors since 1988 with Tommy. Could not have requested a better neighbor. Always felt safe with Tommy across the street. He was all these things described and more to us having been blessed to walk across the street, in the unlocked door and spend time visiting. Not easy to go out front since he is gone. Gone, but never ever forgotten. RIP TLA

    Nancy Truett Powell
    22 Jul 2018
    7:01am

    I’ve been remembering the very first time I ever saw Tommy—more than six decades ago. He walked into our classroom ready to be there with us, and his face was just the most open, honest, sweet face I had ever seen. So glad he was a classmate, and I’m so glad he started always getting the cheese!

    Julie and James Simmons
    22 Jul 2018
    9:46am

    Tommy will be greatly missed.
    Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. Our hearts go out to you and your family at this difficult time. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.

    Devon Talley
    22 Jul 2018
    12:26pm

    Tommy was a dearly loved friend to my late husband, Robert, myself and my entire family. Tommy had a special sense knowing what friends needed and generously giving- whether it was accepting a gift, giving a gift, listening, laughing with you- Tommy gave himself genuinely to others. I’ve never known a man more gratified by helping others. He will be sorely missed by legions of friends.

    Devon Talley
    22 Jul 2018
    12:53pm

    Tommy was a dearly loved friend to my late husband, Robert, myself and my entire family. Tommy had a special sense knowing what friends needed and generously giving- whether it was accepting a gift, giving a gift, listening- Tommy gave himself genuinely to others.

    Faye Lindley Terry
    22 Jul 2018
    6:27pm

    Tommy will be missed, not by just me, but everyone who knew him, MANY. I will always remember him every time I see or eat at a Hucks, especially the one in Denison. He would meet some there for fish, laughing, enjoying his stories, and his company. Tommy was definitely a People Person. My condolences goes to the sisters, his best pal lady, and all the family. He’s in Gods hands now, no pain, no sickness, but full of loving life again.

    Gerald James Bishop
    24 Jul 2018
    6:52pm

    Tommy was my training officer at McKinney PD and taught me everything I ever knew about police work. Well, not everything but some things. Anyway, I always enjoyed being around him! RIP Tommy.

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"Excellent customer service, they made you feel like you were their only customer. Very helpful and explained what we should expect during the process. They basically took care of our needs during this time. They contacted DFW National Cemetery for us which made it a smooth experience. Definitely will use them again."
K. Barker
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"I was amazed how professional the team at Aria Funeral Preston Dallas Texas are. They guided me through the process and my options of their services that they offered for my mother. They are compassionate, caring, calm, good listener, efficient and did an excellent job! Thank you!"
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"If I could give 6 stars I would. Aria made a difficult easier to deal with by basically taking care of everything in an efficient but very empathetic manner. I can speak highly enough of Dusty Martin, who helped us with all of the planning and logistics. He was incredibly understanding and helpful."
Angel M.
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"Nothing prepares you for the grief you go through when losing a child. I called this funeral home at 2:00 am broken and could barely talk. The amount of compassion and empathy they showed me immediately let me know I found the right place to cremate my son. I cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, SINCERE concern, and commitment to making sure my son was honored in the most respectful way. I hope this Funeral home values her as much as my family and I do."
McGee Family
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"Wayne and Staff, thank you for taking care of the arrangements for our mom, Exter McGee and our dad, Philip McGee. You have been great to work with during such a difficult time."
Elledge Family
Elledge Family
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"On behalf of my family, I wanted you to know how much we appreciate your handling of my husband's final arrangements. Wayne Baxter assisted & guided us through the entire process with such care & compassion. Don't know what we would have done without him! Sincerely, Colleen Elledge"
The Peterson Family
The Peterson FamilyYelp! Review - Northwest Highway 5-Stars
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"I can’t say enough about how helpful and professional Dusty Martin, the funeral director at the Aria Cremation location on NW Highway has been. From my initial call, he was kind and informative. My friend died at home while on hospice and she was picked up in about an hour after receiving the call from the hospice nurse. The person who arrived to pick her up was also very professional/respectful and allowed us to take as much time with her as we wished. When I met with Dusty the next day about arrangements, he explained the process and options available without being pushy or trying to “sell” extras. Throughout the process, he kept me informed and, for example, was careful to be certain I understood the cost of the obituary I wanted and offered some options for reducing that cost if I wished. When I stopped by for another reason and started talking about some of the problems I was having with the pictures and media I hoped to use at a memorial lunch I was planning, he not only listened patiently but offered technology advice and let me use his personal media player. I have had experience arranging cremations for four others using two other local companies, and this experience with Dusty at Aria has been by far the best one I have had."
Paula Barnes
Paula BarnesGoogle Review
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"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
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