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Celebrating the life of

William Warren Ashburn, III

Passed away on December 30, 2021

William Warren Ashburn, III

William Warren Ashburn, III, 74 and affectionally known as Wick or Paka Wick, died peacefully on December 30, 2021 after a short battle with Lewy Body dementia. Most of his family was with him when he entered heaven.

Born in Savannah, Wick attended Savannah Country Day School, graduated from Newberry College where he was a founding brother of their Kappa Alpha order, and from Mercer Law School.  He practiced law in Savannah as a founding partner of Ashburn, Beckmann and Lewis until 1985.  In 1982, Wick and Marjorie Manley Ashburn, also of Savannah, were married and soon moved to one of their favorite places – Highlands, North Carolina.  There, he and Margie raised their incredible daughters and Wick took the helm of Coldwell Banker Ashburn Real Estate.  They all had a wonderful life in the mountains at Highlands Falls Country Club - playing golf with great friends and trying to keep the girls out of trouble! Shortly after Wick became ill, he and Margie moved back home to Savannah.

Wick was the second son of the late Thomas Norvell Ashburn and Jewell Hurst Ashburn.  He was also preceded in death by his sister, Rosalind Ashburn Demere. In addition to his wife of 39 years, Margie, he is survived by several very important and loved people.  His daughters, Daisy Eleanor Ashburn of Savannah; Leslie Ashburn Cook (Adam), grandchildren, William Grant Cook and Elizabeth Jewell Cook of Highlands; Rosalind Carlyene Ashburn of Palm Springs, CA and Savannah; Ramsey Ingram Ashburn of Highlands and Rebecca Cubbedge Ashburn also of Highlands. 

Wick’s extended family includes his brother, Tom Norvell Ashburn, Jr. (Maggie) of Columbia, his sister, Anna Priscilla Ashburn (Terri Rupel) of Los Angeles, CA; and his brother-in-law, Hobart Leslie Manley, III (Terri).  Nieces and nephews, Patrick Ashburn, Sara Ashburn Reed, Elizabeth Demere Froelich, Houstoun Demere, Hobie Manley, IV and Erin Manley.

Wick will be missed by his in laws who were also his great friends, Marilyn and Hobart Manley, Jr.  His humor, generosity, fairness and his great love for his family and God will leave a large hole in many hearts.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022 in Bonaventure Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wayne Pearson Scholarship Fund at Newberry College, Newberry, South Carolina.

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

We were fortunate to have known Wick since our college days. The twinkle in his eye and his laugh brought joy to us all. He was a part of our wedding party and our friend for so many years. He will surely be missed. Love to all the family.

- Bill and Sherrie Baker, Savannah , Ga

Margie, I am so sorry to hear of Wick's passing. Hoping happy times y'all spent together gets you and the girls through this sorrowful time. Wick was bigger than life and I am happy that I was able to know him personally and professionally.

- Sarah Hardee Nichols, Savannah and Candler, GA and NC

Margie, I am so sorry, you and your family will be in my prayer. I hope you find peace and love from all who love you and Wick. I enjoyed seeing you both at Thrive.

- Jan Howard, Savannah, Georgia

I am saddened by Wick's passing. May he rest in peace.

- Mike Crosby, Newport News, Virginia

Dear Margie, we were so saddened by the news of Wicks passing. John and I have been going over and over of the memories from our Bible studies and fun dinners with “the group!” You both made our time in Highlands memorable. He was a great study leader and friend. I’m just sorry we haven’t seen either of you in the years since we moved back to Florida. We should have talked before we left. Jessi is actually the one who told me from her Instagram when she saw Becca’s Instagram. Jessi was very sad to hear about it. We have 3 beautiful grand babies (5 1/2 - 3 1/2 - 4 months) and it made me happy to know he got those years with your grandchildren! I pray the Lord brings you, your beautiful girls and your grandchildren peace and comfort at this time, especially since you know he’s with his loving Father and his Savior, Jesus Christ.

- John and Cheryl Ziebarth, Orlando , Florida

So sorry to hear about Wick. Wick was special.

- Phil Newsome, Beaufort, SC

Dear Margie and girls, I have been so sad since I heard about Wick's passing, but I'm glad that his struggle with dementia was not lengthy and difficult. I know he would rather be where he is than struggling here. I have so many memories of him from the 14 years I worked there. I especially enjoyed the parties and the hot tub! And all those little girls coming in the door, right past my desk, after school each day, headed in to see their daddy. I remember how Wick would come in the office with a short-sleeved shirt on in the dead of winter and how you all would be gone to Mexico the month of February each year. And those couple of times the whole office went to Savannah at Christmas and how my liver enzymes were up at my physical right after we got back because of all we ate and drank! :-) The last time I saw him was when we went to dinner at El Azteca last year. It was a happy time and good to be together and I like remembering him that way. May you all find solace in the many rich memories you have of your life with him. I know he would want you to keep dancing the dance as long as you can and he'll be cheering you on from up high. Much love, Betty

- Betty Holt, Highlands, NC

Dear Margie and family....Ed and I are heartbroken to hear of Wicks passing, we loved Wick, he was in many ways like a father figure to us. We remember our fun times and our bible classes at your home in HFCC. I certainly remember all my time working for/with Wick at Coldwell Banker, he taught me soooo much. He helped Ed and I purchase our first home and I still have the note he hand wrote to me from then....we have always been grateful for his help at that time. Wick was funny too, we laughed sometimes til we had tears streaming down our face at some of the crazy times in real estate....wow such precious memories that we treasure. We know that Wick is in Heaven now and that he will always have a protective watch over all his girls. Fly high Wick! We love you! Joyce & Ed Smith

- Ed & Joyce Smith, Boiling Springs , sc

I am so sorry to hear of Wick's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Jimmie and Doris Coggins

- Jimmie Coggins, Newberry, SC

I am saddened to hear of Wicks passing. Prayers of comfort for all. Judy Keener

- Judy Keener, Highlands, NC

Margi, I’m so sad to hear of Wick’s passing. He was a true KA Brother. I will miss him deeply. I pray that you and the girls and all of your family feel Gods calming hand. My very best Rick

- Rick Sargent KA Brother, Newberry College, Rome, GA

I am still in shock. Wick and Margie are two of the most wonderful people I have ever met. Wick was so kind and thoughtful. In our time on the board together, he could make you feel like you had been friends forever. Never met a classier guy or better human being. I will always have the fondest memories of our time together. My love and sympathy go out to Margie and the girls in

- Joe Trainor, Newberry, South East

Our condolences. So sorry we didn't get to meet him

- Elaine and David Nussbaum, Savannah, Georgia

Wick was the quintessential KA gentleman who made everyone feel like his best friend as soon as they met. He made a big difference on the Board of Trustees at Newberry because he loved the school so much. He was always gracious, caring, and compassionate. Wick loved his beautiful family, and my heart and prayers are with them as they deal with this loss. Everyone who knew Wick has a broken heart now, but he is healed and whole in heaven.

- Laura Neath Black, Central, SC

Margie, know I am thinking of you and the strength you showed the short time we met under sad circumstances.

- Peggy Lanahan, Savannah, Ga

So sorry for your loss❤️Prayers for the family ❤️

- Blair and Margaret , Highlands, NC

Tom and Maggie So sorry to read of the passing of Tom's brother in today's paper. You have my prayers. Love to you both

- Sandy Bohnstengel, Savannah, GA

Wishing you peace during this difficult time. Wick was an outstanding alumnus of Newberry College.

- Newberry College, Newberry, South Carolina

I am heart broken which exceeded by that of Margie, their daughters, and all of the family, to each and all of whom I extend my greatest sincere condolences. Wick and I entered Newberry College together, were initiated as charter members of KA together, graduated together, and were lawyers. Wick was loved and respected by his fraternity brothers and by all who ever got to know him. He was the best.

- Sidney S Riggs III, Folly Beach, South Carolina

I heard of Wick's illness thru Jane when she shared Christmas dinner with your folks...I was so saddened to hear of his passing. He will always be the laughing and sweet man I met when I spilled red wine all over your new white furniture! What a love you two shared and a beautiful family it made. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Coni Coleman, Savannah, Georgia

A candle has been lit!

Wishing you my best and keeping you and your family in my prayers. Best, Stephanie

- Stephanie Miller, PT @ Thrive, Savannah, GA

Margie, I am sooo very, very sorry about Wick! I heard y’all moved and was sad to hear that. Please know Imam praying for you and your girls. Sending peace, sorrow, and my love to you!

- Sandra Hutchison, Sapphire , NC

Dear Margie and family, Carol and I are so sad about your loss. I knew Wick from our Savannah days and then so glad we reconnected with both of you in Cashiers and at the church. Our thoughts and prayers with you all. Sincerely, Rhett and Carol

- Rhett Mouchet, Savannah, GEORGIA

Wick was such an awesome man and it has been an honor knowing him and being friends with the Ashburn family for many years! Sending prayers and lots of love!

- Dede Head, Highlands, NC

Margie The light remains. There are some who bring a light to the world that even after they are gone the light will will remain. Wick was a good friend and good to work with he will be misses

- Isabel chambers, Highlands, N.C

We had wonderful and unforgettable experiences as KA brothers(and wife) at Newberry College. He will be missed.

- Craig and Linda Rhyne , Mt Pleasant, SC

Wick was an amazing human being. A gentle soul with a solid faith and abundant joy. The reunion to come grows sweeter each day. Praying for you, Margie and girls. Love you all dearly.

- Jimmy Sadler, Columbia, South Carolina

So sorry for your loss.

- DONALD BOYCE, Midway, GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200