William Claude Ashe, 97, of Franklin, passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2017.

Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late William Lonnie Ashe and Elmina Wilkes Ashe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Harold, Terrell, Paul and an infant brother and sisters, Pallie Ghormley and Hallie Ashe. Claude was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII, a retired electrician; a member of the VFW Post 7339 and attended East Franklin Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Audrey Hurst Ashe; one son, Charles Danny Ashe of Franklin; two granddaughters, Andrea Jones (Mike) and Rebecca Danielle Crowe (Julian); three great grandsons, Grayson Crowe, Kameron Jones and Austin Crowe (Kenzy); and two great granddaughters, Lauren Crowe and Kyleigh Jones and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Steve Reeves and Rev. Howard Southard will officiate. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery with military rites conducted by the VFW Post 7339 and American Legion Post 108.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Charles Dean, Jr., Julian Crowe, Austin Crowe, Kammeron Jones, Jason Ashe and Roy Ashe.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com