MSG Marshall (Pete) Arnold Ashworth, died on May 9, 2016 at his home. He was 83. Pete was born on March 19, 1933 in Holly Springs, NC to David William and Cora Pope Ashworth.
Pete retired from the US Army in 1974 after 20 years honorable service. He served tours of duty with the 82nd Airborne Division and 18th ABN Corps at Ft. Bragg, NC. He had three tours of duty in South Korea, one in Japan, one in South Vietnam and a short tour in West Germany.
While serving in the US Army in South Korea (1957-1958) Pete completed GED High School. After retirement (1974) he attended Fayetteville Technical Institute and earned an Associate Business Administration Degree. He attended Methodist University (1977-1979) Fayetteville, NC and was awarded a BAS Degree on December 21, 1979. After retirement, Pete was employed as a contracting officer at Seymour Johnson and Pope Air Force Bases, NC and Langley AFB in Hampton, VA.
In addition to his parents, Pete was preceded in death by his five brothers, James, David, Billy, Linwood and Lenzy (Capt. Buddy) Lee Ashworth as well as a son Edward Arnold (Ed) Ashworth of Virginia Beach, VA in 2012.
He is survived by his best friend and beloved wife, Eva M. Walters of Garner; sons Dr. Robert Alan Ashworth (Lisa) of Carolina Beach, NC, Kenneth Ray Ashworth, Stedman, NC; daughter, Vickie Lynn Ashworth Huffman (Mike), Fayetteville, NC; stepson, Darren McClung (Sherry) and granddaughters, Ashlynn Dawn and Averee Darra McClung. In addition he is survived by long time special friend and sister-in-the-Lord, Sara S. Robbins, Raleigh, NC. Let's all not forget Pete is survived by his precious four legged friend, Abbie. He is also survived by many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Pete earned numerous military awards, including the Parachutist Badge during his 20+ years of military service. He and his wife Eva are lifetime members of VFW and members of the American Legion Post 116, Fuquay-Varina, NC. He is a life time member of DAV. He also had a seat on the Wake County Veterans Council, was a member of Vietnam Veterans, Inc., and the Garner's Veterans Memorial Committee. He was also a member of NAMI of NC and La Societ Des 40 Hommes Et 8 Chevaux - Wake County 40/8.
In the 1980's he was a Deacon in the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Wilson, NC. He was a member of Vandora Springs Free Will Baptist Church in Garner, NC. He was ordained as a minister in the Progressive Universal Life Church of Sacramento, CA on May 15, 2006.
At Pete's request a cremation will take place and there will be no service. His cremated remains will be shipped to Arlingon National Cemetery at a later date.
After serving America's Army for 20 years, Pete joined the Lord's Army soon thereafter and has marched to his Master's drums until the time he departed this earth for a better place on high.
Pete's entire family wishes to express their appreciation to all that had a part in handling Pete's end of life problem circumstances.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to NAMI North Carolina, 309 W. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. They work for the betterment of our mentally ill neighbors.
Arrangements by Montlawn Funeral Home, Raleigh, NC. Condolences may be made to the family at www.montlawn.com