Richard Gene Ashman, Sr.

Richard Gene Ashman, Sr.

Rick was born November 1, 1949 in Greenville, Ohio to Richard Eugene and Donna Maxine Stephens Ashman. He served 6 years in the US Navy aboard the USS Saratoga during the Viet Nam War. Rick earned the National Defense Service Medal.  He was honorably discharged as a Navy 3rd Class Petty Officer and returned to his hometown of Largo, Florida.

He began his career with Florida Power Corp in the Largo line department as a “grunt”, apprentice lineman. He then bid a welder mechanic job at the Crystal River coal fired plant. With mergers of Florida Power, Progress Energy and Duke Power he was promoted and finished his 30 years as Safety Supervisor for North Central Florida. His last 10 years were spent RV traveling in his Fifth wheel to all 49 states, nearly every National Park, and as many casinos as he could convince Jane to visit!

He was a lifetime member of VFW and a 32nd Degree Mason with the Ocala Scottish Rite.

Rick is survived by his wife Jane M. Ashman, daughter, Sandy Lynn Ashman (son Steven Todd), son Richard (Spike) Gene Ashman, Jr. (wife Rhonda, son Keaton, daughter Kayla, sister Pamela Crawford and nieces and nephews.

A Tall Tales and Stories of Richard (Rick, Big Dummy) will be held:

Roberts Funeral Home Dunnellon Florida

Friday, May 17, 2024

4pm – 6 pm

In lieu of flowers or charitable donations everyone is asked to bring their best Tall Tale or Story about Big Dummy to share with his family. Please bring a written copy to add to the memory book “Big Dummy’s Tall Tales and Stories. If you dislike public speaking, we will read the Tall Tale for you!

Rick would like to invite you to attend his interment at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell so please leave your contact information before you leave. Also, a party is being scheduled by Eddie Dewitt, he needs some volunteers the date and time will be shared on the Dunnellon Grape Vine, or as Rick so often shared, “As Dunnellon Floats!”