Celebrating the life of
Ashley K. Dearing, Jr.
November 27, 1923 - March 28, 2009
Ashley K. Dearing, Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 27, 1923. He moved to Savannah in 1936 when his father became owner of Dearing Chevrolet Company on West Broad Street. Following his father's death, he and his brother continued to operate the business until 1986 when they sold the company.
He was a super baseball player and grew up on Washington Avenue. His teenage years were marred when he was struck by polio at age 16. Following his somewhat recovery that left him with leg braces and crutches and in later years, a full time wheelchair, he never looked back. He devoted himself to give of his time and efforts to make this world a better place. He loved working with youth and much of his accomplishments benefit young people. He overcame the enormous disability of having polio and never allowed that to interfere with his involvement with community affairs. He has given tirelessly of his life to others and particularly to youth.
He is a past president of the Savannah YMCA and is an Honorary Life Member of the Y.
He served for many years on the Boy Scout Savannah Advisory Council helping young men earn their merit badges in automotive. He was active with the American Legion Baseball program and many young men today remember his transporting them to Legion baseball games.
Since 1954, he annually has given the prestigious Ashley Dearing Award in Savannah to the city's Most Versatile High School Athlete. This award will continue in his memory. Likewise, since 1955, he has awarded the Dearing Cup to an Armstrong Atlantic basketball player with the best foul shot percentage. In recognition of his contributions
And commitment to Armstrong College, he was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame.
He was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as an Honorary Member in recognition of his support and contribution to university athletics. For many
years he has sat on the sidelines to see his Florida Gators take the field. He is a member
of the Savannah Area Gator Club.
He has been a member of the Savannah Quarterback Club since 1948 and was recognized at 50 years as a member. He recalled their meeting in the old Desoto Hotel. This club has been very special to him because of his love of sports and the friendships he has developed in and through the club.
He is a former member of the Savannah Jaycees and was one of the founding members of the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame. This group cited him for his service and support of local athletics in 1973 and honored him as a citation honoree. He was one of the longest serving members of the City of Savannah Recreation Commission and retired from the Commission after over 50 years. In 1984, the City of Savannah Recreation Commission developed the Daffin Park playground for handicapped children and it was named and dedicated in his honor.
He has been a member of the Savannah Exchange Club since 1965. This club honored him by naming and presenting to him their distinguished Book of Golden Deeds Award for Service to Mankind.
He is a member of the Victor B. Jenkins Boys Club and served on their board of Trustees.
He is a member of St. John's Episcopal Church and has served as a Junior Warden of the Church Vestry.
His is a member of The Chatham Club and the Savannah Yacht Club.
For someone who had all reason for not being able to do something, he never let that stand in his way and has had a lifetime of accomplishment. He will be missed by many who called him a friend.
He is predeceased by his mother and father, Ashley K. Dearing, Sr., and Sara C. Dearing and his two brothers, William H. Dearing and Edwin Palmer Dearing.
Survivors include his wife, Angela Exley Dearing; two sons and daughters-in-law, A. Kennon Dearing, III, and wife, Jane; and Stephen C. Dearing and wife, Rita; three grandchildren, Sarah, Matthew and Daniel; and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was a resident of the Isle of Hope.
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2009 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Funeral: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at St. John's Church Episcopal Church.
Burial: Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery.
Remembrances: St. John's Episcopal Church or the Victor B. Jenkins Boys Club.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
My late husband, Skipper Pearson, often spoke of his great memories of Mr. Dearing. Skipper had the great pleasure of assisting Mr. Dearing to various sporting events. This afforded him two pleasures, free access to many of his favorite teams and one on one time with Mr. Dearing. He learned invaluable lessons that he carried with him, a desire to help young athletes and an unending fortitude to keep going that he attributed to Mr. Dearing. I am sorry to find that this great man has passed away. Condolences to his family, I know the kind of big gap that losing a good man like him can leave.
- Rhonda Pearson Sellers, Hazlehurst, GA
Our sincere condolences go out to the Dearing family. I was very lucky to meet Mr. Dearing while playing basketball at Armstrong. He has had an amazing impact on so many athletes in Savannah. He will be missed by many but never forgotten. I am truly honored to have known him.
- Mick and Julie Jordan, Savannah, GA
To Angela and family, Ashley was a very special person and had a very positive influence on young Savannah athletes over many years.We are pleased that these athletes attending SHS Class of 1958 50th reunion last year signed and delivered a tribute to Ashley in recognition of his influence and caring. We thank him and we will miss him.
- Joe and Jude Smith, ATLANTA, GA
To my friends, Kennon, Jane, Matthew, Daniel, and Sarah...Ashley was a very special person who demonstrated the best qualities of man. From his great deeds, many young adults have been given opportunities to succeed. He will be sorely missed. God Bless.
- Robert D. Fritts, Savannah, GA
As a sports writer for the Savannah Morning News in the 1960's, I came to know Ashley as a major figure in Savannah's sports community whose unselfish support of local athletics was legendary. He was a gentleman for the ages. My condolences to his many friends and family.
- Billy Deal, Columbia, SC
Our condolences to Mr. Dearing's family. Our children played football at Savannah Christian Prep School, it was always a pleasure to see Mr. Dearing on Friday night at the football games with Alvin Carter. He was such a kind and giving man. He will be greatly missed by everyone that ever knew him. When football season rolls around this fall, there will be an empty space at the stadium. He was a true fan.
- The Gills - Moe, Gay, Joe and Jay, Fleming, GA
To the Dearing Family, with our sincere condolences. Ashley was a man's man and will always be a sports icon in the city of Savannah, GA. He will live in our hearts and memory forever.
- Jack and Charles Peacock, Marble, NC
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Stephen fondly remembers the trips to University of Florida with Mr. Dearing. Pam had the opportunity to tag along to a Georgia/Florida game once. We have shared these stories with our children. With sympathy, Stephen & Pam
- Stephen & Pam Helmly, Marietta, GA
Ashley Dearing was truly an unselfish and generous person. I was raised at Bethesda, worked with the Savannah YMCA and Ashley was on our Board of Directors. When I decided to go back to College, in 1963, to get my Master's Degree and Certification as a YMCA Secretary, now know as Director, he helped me out. I had an old VW, very little money and was going to travel to Springfield, Mass. to College. Ashley let me order a brand new station wagon to transport my belongings, wife and children to Mass. There was no down payment, except my old car, no payment till I graduated and no interest. He insisted I keep this between us and I have all these years. I however, have thought about his generousity and support all these years and he holds a warm place in my heart. I know there is a place in Heaven for him. I send my love and sympathy to his family.
- William Stokes, Ellijay, GA
Our prayers are with your family at this time. Ashley Dearing was truly a great man and he will certainly be missed by all of Savannah.
- Robyn Quattlebaum, Savannah, GA
Ashley you will be so missed and we know that someday we will see you again. Thanks for being our friend!!!
- Guy & GeniePiercePlatt, Flowery Branch, GA
Mr. Dearing was was one of the most kind and caring man I have ever met. Last year as I received a personal tour of his house I realized the enormous amount of people he touched and affected. He was admired and respected by so many people. He will be missed in Savannah dearly. As well, Mr. Dearing genuinely loved sports more than anyone I have ever met. I will never forget the day he handed me the Ashley Dearing Award.It was the most special day in my life so far. I am so glad I personally got to know Mr. Dearing. He was a great man.
- John Moesch, Boston, MA
He was a special kind of guy. He did special things for my two boys taking them on trips to Florida for things they are talking about to their children and friends everyday and looking out for Margaret when she worked for him,he went out of his when see could not drive. Think of all of you. Hugh
- Hugh & Margaret Helmly, Savannah, GA
Uncle Ashley: We will always remember your sportsmanship, your determination, and your caring ways. Your spirit will live on in all of us. Angela, Kennon, and Stephen, may peace be with you in these times of transition. Love, The Charleston Crossleys
- The Charleston Crossleys, Charleston, SC
Our sincere condolences
- Mike & Nancy Lee, Savannah, GA
My late husband, Skipper Pearson, often spoke of his great memories of Mr. Dearing. Skipper had the great pleasure of assisting Mr. Dearing to various sporting events. This afforded him two pleasures, free access to many of his favorite teams and one on one time with Mr. Dearing. He learned invaluable lessons that he carried with him, a desire to help young athletes and an unending fortitude to keep going that he attributed to Mr. Dearing. I am sorry to find that this great man has passed away. Condolences to his family, I know the kind of big gap that losing a good man like him can leave.
- Rhonda Pearson Sellers, Hazlehurst, GA
Our sincere condolences go out to the Dearing family. I was very lucky to meet Mr. Dearing while playing basketball at Armstrong. He has had an amazing impact on so many athletes in Savannah. He will be missed by many but never forgotten. I am truly honored to have known him.
- Mick and Julie Jordan, Savannah, GA
To Angela and family, Ashley was a very special person and had a very positive influence on young Savannah athletes over many years.We are pleased that these athletes attending SHS Class of 1958 50th reunion last year signed and delivered a tribute to Ashley in recognition of his influence and caring. We thank him and we will miss him.
- Joe and Jude Smith, ATLANTA, GA
To my friends, Kennon, Jane, Matthew, Daniel, and Sarah...Ashley was a very special person who demonstrated the best qualities of man. From his great deeds, many young adults have been given opportunities to succeed. He will be sorely missed. God Bless.
- Robert D. Fritts, Savannah, GA
As a sports writer for the Savannah Morning News in the 1960's, I came to know Ashley as a major figure in Savannah's sports community whose unselfish support of local athletics was legendary. He was a gentleman for the ages. My condolences to his many friends and family.
- Billy Deal, Columbia, SC
Our condolences to Mr. Dearing's family. Our children played football at Savannah Christian Prep School, it was always a pleasure to see Mr. Dearing on Friday night at the football games with Alvin Carter. He was such a kind and giving man. He will be greatly missed by everyone that ever knew him. When football season rolls around this fall, there will be an empty space at the stadium. He was a true fan.
- The Gills - Moe, Gay, Joe and Jay, Fleming, GA
To the Dearing Family, with our sincere condolences. Ashley was a man's man and will always be a sports icon in the city of Savannah, GA. He will live in our hearts and memory forever.
- Jack and Charles Peacock, Marble, NC
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Stephen fondly remembers the trips to University of Florida with Mr. Dearing. Pam had the opportunity to tag along to a Georgia/Florida game once. We have shared these stories with our children. With sympathy, Stephen & Pam
- Stephen & Pam Helmly, Marietta, GA
Ashley Dearing was truly an unselfish and generous person. I was raised at Bethesda, worked with the Savannah YMCA and Ashley was on our Board of Directors. When I decided to go back to College, in 1963, to get my Master's Degree and Certification as a YMCA Secretary, now know as Director, he helped me out. I had an old VW, very little money and was going to travel to Springfield, Mass. to College. Ashley let me order a brand new station wagon to transport my belongings, wife and children to Mass. There was no down payment, except my old car, no payment till I graduated and no interest. He insisted I keep this between us and I have all these years. I however, have thought about his generousity and support all these years and he holds a warm place in my heart. I know there is a place in Heaven for him. I send my love and sympathy to his family.
- William Stokes, Ellijay, GA
Our prayers are with your family at this time. Ashley Dearing was truly a great man and he will certainly be missed by all of Savannah.
- Robyn Quattlebaum, Savannah, GA
Ashley you will be so missed and we know that someday we will see you again. Thanks for being our friend!!!
- Guy & GeniePiercePlatt, Flowery Branch, GA
Mr. Dearing was was one of the most kind and caring man I have ever met. Last year as I received a personal tour of his house I realized the enormous amount of people he touched and affected. He was admired and respected by so many people. He will be missed in Savannah dearly. As well, Mr. Dearing genuinely loved sports more than anyone I have ever met. I will never forget the day he handed me the Ashley Dearing Award.It was the most special day in my life so far. I am so glad I personally got to know Mr. Dearing. He was a great man.
- John Moesch, Boston, MA
He was a special kind of guy. He did special things for my two boys taking them on trips to Florida for things they are talking about to their children and friends everyday and looking out for Margaret when she worked for him,he went out of his when see could not drive. Think of all of you. Hugh
- Hugh & Margaret Helmly, Savannah, GA
Uncle Ashley: We will always remember your sportsmanship, your determination, and your caring ways. Your spirit will live on in all of us. Angela, Kennon, and Stephen, may peace be with you in these times of transition. Love, The Charleston Crossleys
- The Charleston Crossleys, Charleston, SC
Our sincere condolences
- Mike & Nancy Lee, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
