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Mr. Gene Leroy Asby, age 89, a resident of Old Bath Highway, Washington, died Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Vidant Beaufort Hospital in Washington.

Funeral services were held 3:00 PM Monday, May 10, 2021 at Asbury United Methodist Church, conducted by Pastor Greg Joyner and Pastor Jim Reed. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

The following served as pallbearers:  Tony Baker, Johnnie Jackson, Michael Latchaw, Doug Whitehead, Chuck Smith, and John Robert Jackson.  

Honorary pallbearers were Ronald Alligood, Dallas Register, Steele Cox, Michael Holland, Scott Asby, Dwayne Asby, James D. Asby III, John Vargo and Murphy Woolard. 

Mr. Asby was born in Beaufort County on February 23, 1932.  He was the son of the late James Dawson Asby and Lossie Bell Harris Asby.  Mr. Asby married the love of his life, Jo Ann Lilley, on March 29, 1972. She preceded him in death in 2009.

Mr. Asby proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during with Korean War and later enlisted in the Merchant Marines.  He attended N.C. State, Campbell University and graduated from Louisburg College in 1958. In 1968, Mr. Asby went to ECU and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In 1972, he moved to Dunn, N.C. and served as Principal of Plain View Elementary School where he formed many treasured friendships. While in Dunn, Mr. Asby got his securities license.  He worked for Legal Shield until his retirement.

Mr. Asby is survived by two brothers, Reginald W. Asby of Washington, James Dawson “Dickie” Asby, Jr.  and wife Debbie of Seven Battlefields, Virginia; one sister-in-law, Mildred L. Asby; and many beloved nieces and nephews

In addition to his parents and his wife, Mr. Asby was preceded in death by three sisters, Margaret Asby Holland, Ellen Asby Smith, Helen Asby McRoy; brother, Oscar H. “Bucky” Asby; sister-in-law, Jo Ann J. Asby; three brothers-in-laws, Donald Smith, Robert McRoy, Jack Holland; and two nephews, Rod Smith and Chad Asby.

The family received friends following the service at his home.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff of the ICU, Emergency Department and Third Floor Staff for their excellent care of Mr. Gene.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome. Com

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington is honored to serve the Asby family.