Obituary of Bernie Ash

Esteemed Lebanon figure, Bernie Ash passed away on September 30, 2023 at the age of 76. The Funeral Service, conducted by Pastor David Freeman will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at First Baptist Church (227 East Main Street), Lebanon, TN. Entombment in Wilson County Memorial Mausoleum will follow the service. Pallbearers: Nolan Ash, Evan Ash, Andrew Antone, Anthony Brady, Max Mendez, David Ash and Luke Ash. Honorary Pallbearers: Vietnam Veterans of America. Family will be receiving friends at First Baptist Church on Tuesday from 4-8pm, and on Wednesday from 11am until service at 2pm.

Bernie was a proud 1965 graduate of Lebanon High School. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Harrison Township, Michigan until being sent to Phu Cat, Vietnam from 1969-1970. Upon returning from Vietnam, he worked at Ash Drilling Company alongside his father and brother. He later pursued his passion for photography by opening Creative Photography on the Historic Lebanon Square. In 1994, he began what would become a long and storied career as a faithful public servant in Wilson County/Lebanon. He served as a County Commissioner, City Councilman, Veterans Administrator, and Mayor of Lebanon. Bernie was an integral part of the creation of the Wilson County Veterans Plaza and was a member of the Wilson Warriors. Upon retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife Marcia. They enjoyed pontoon boating and traveling to visit their children and grandchildren.  Bernie also enjoyed riding Cushman Scooters, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, and John Deere Tractors.

Bernie is survived by his wife Marcia Ash; brother Luke (Sandra) Ash; children Alice (James) Lowery, William (Ginger) Ash, and John (Jong) Ash; grandchildren: Anthony Brady, Andrew Antone, Nolan (Cameron) Ash, Evan (Lela) Ash, David Ash, Jacob Ash, and Matthew Ash; and great-grandchildren: Max Mendez, Skylar Brady, Jude Antone, Finnegan Ash, and Blakely Ash. He is preceded in death by parents Dave and Anna Ash, and granddaughter Cynthia Brady. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wilson County Veterans Plaza. 

Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon, TN 615-444-9393.