John Henry Asbell, Jr.

NASHVILLE - John Henry Asbell, Jr., age 92, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, March 26, 2018. Born in Edenton, NC on December 3, 1925, he was the son of the late John Henry Asbell, Sr. and Bertie Cobb Asbell. John graduated from Edenton High School, the Naval School, and earned a business degree. He was proud to be an American and served in the U.S. Navy and retired from the U.S. Army with 45 years of service. John was a World War II veteran, and upon his retirement was asked to serve four military assignments in Italy. He received numerous awards for his dedication to our country; a fond memory is remembering him getting his uniforms laid out and the boots that reflected his image! John was a quiet and humble man. He liked peace and his values were God, family, and country. He loved being outdoors. His garden would reflect the cover of Southern Living's magazine; he enjoyed "building up", he was President of the Tar Heel River Radio Control Flyer's Club for six years and enjoyed mentoring people that were interested in "flying high" with this sport that he immensely enjoyed. John was awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership granted by Birchwood Country Club. Many days, he enjoyed on the links! John leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife of 71 years, Marian Alexander Asbell of the home; a daughter, Kathryn Asbell Keel of Rocky Mount, NC; a son, Richard Allan Asbell and wife, Paula, of Nashville, NC; and grandchildren: Page Clark Keel, III and wife, Donna, with great-grandchildren: Eva and Claire; Roscoe Griffin Keel and wife, Grace, with great-grandchildren: Hannah, Henry, Lilly, and George; Kathryn Keel Sozzi and husband, John, with great-grandchildren, Sally and Maggie. He was affectionately, known as Johnny, Dad, Daddy, and GrandJohn. He was also survived by a sister, Helen Asbell Elliott of Edenton, NC. A Celebration of John's Life will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 11:30 AM at Nashville Baptist Church, 512 E. Washington Street, Nashville, NC 27856, with the Rev. Kenny Byrd officiating. Burial of Cremains will follow the service at Forest Hill Cemetery. A Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Nashville Baptist Church. The family wishes to express the deepest love and appreciation to the medical staff at UNC Nash Healthcare Systems (Dr. Prasada, Dr. Bondy, and PA Jenny); Wake Medical Hospital (Dr. Reddy, Dr. Zeok, and Dr. Go); and Orthopedic Surgeons (Dr. Greenlaw and Dr. Freels). The doctors, nurses, staff at all entities were to him and his family, angels of professionalism, grace and mercy. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Nashville Baptist Church Sanctuary 512 E. Washington Street Nashville, NC 27856 Thursday 3/29, 10:00 am - 11:00 am A Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Nashville Baptist Church. Service Nashville Baptist Church 512 E. Washington Street Nashville, NC 27856 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-459-3403 --> | Thursday 3/29, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm A Celebration of John's Life will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 11:30 AM at Nashville Baptist Church, 512 E. Washington Street, Nashville, NC 27856, with the Rev. Kenny Byrd officiating. Cemetery Forest Hill Cemetery 350 North 1st Street, Ext. Nashville, NC 27856 Thursday 3/29, 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm Burial of Cremains will follow the service at Forest Hill Cemetery.