William Randall Ashby, 86, went home to be with Jesus his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Jacksonville, Florida. Born to Andrew and Corrine Ashby on March 19, 1928 in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from Male High School in Louisville, KY where he was appointed Sergeant of the Reserve Officers Training. He served in the Army of the United States from July 15, 1947 to May 12, 1949. He was assigned to 49th Army Band reaching the level of Corporal-Bandsman. Stationed in Vienna, Austria, he took a classical piano class at the University of Vienna. He attended University of Louisville before transferring to Georgetown (Baptist) College in Georgetown, KY. He graduated from Georgetown College in 1952. After graduation he went to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY receiving his Master of Divinity in 1956 and returning later for his Master of Education and Music in 1960. He served churches as Minister of Music and Education in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. His greatest joy in life was encouraging others to walk in the light of Christ's love and witnessing. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Naylor Ashby, and four children. Rick (Ginna), Randy (Teresa), Robbie Lou (John) and Rodney. He has seven grandchildren: Alan (Lacey), David (Mae), Marjorie, Kurt, Keri, Brent Quinn (Taylor) and Brad Quinn. He has one sister Lois Greenberg and nephews Bill Sullivan (Debbie) and Kim Sullivan. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service. Service will be held March 25, at First Baptist Church in the Ruth Lindsay Auditorium. Viewing will be at 10:00 AM and Service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Homer G. Lindsay Scholarship Fund, 124 West Ashley Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 or NE Florida Community Hospice, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257. Arrangements are under the direction of George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4140 University Blvd., S., hewellfuneralhomes.com.VisitationTuesday, March 25, 201410:00 AM - 11:00 AM Ruth Lindsay Auditorium124 West Ashley StreetJacksonville, FL 32202FuneralTuesday, March 25, 201411:00 AM Ruth Lindsay Auditorium124 West Ashley StreetJacksonville, FL 32202EntombmentTuesday, March 25, 201401:30 PM Greenlawn Cemetery4300 Beach Blvd.Jacksonville, FL 322164140 University Blvd S Jacksonville, FL 32216 f: 904-739-81594747 Main St N Jacksonville, FL 32206 f: 904-353-0763