Willie Ashford, Jr.

Willie Ashford Jr. was born September 30, 1955, in Columbia, SC. He was the third of five children born to the late Willie Ashford Sr. and Alberta Glover Ashford. He departed this life Sunday, September 28, 2025 at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, SC.

“Billy, Bimbo, Chill Will, and Coach” are names he was affectionately called. Willie was educated in the Richland One Public School System graduating from A. C. Flora High School. Willie received a tennis scholarship to attend Surry Community College and Winton-Salem State University. Upon returning to Columbia, he became a state employee. He retired from the University of South Carolina Building Maintenance Department in August of 2016.

Willie received few formal lessons on the court and described himself as a “self-taught” tennis player. He quickly learned that this sport was his passion and played on multiple recreational tennis leagues and won various awards and tournaments. He added coaching to his resume by volunteering with the Junior Tennis League (JTL) as a coach and Board Member as well as coaching individuals and teams. His most fond memories were coaching the girls’ and boys’ tennis teams at Columbia High School for more than 22 years. He introduced a love for tennis to many who considered him a father figure.

Willie was also a man of faith. He led his family with the Word of God and strived to live as Christ would. He attended Pleasant Spring AME Church and New Life House of Praise, despite his recent health challenges.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 17 years, Abigail Thompson Ashford; his parents; sister, Barbara Ann Ashford Thomas; and brothers, John Henry Glover and Michael Ashford Sr.

Willie leaves behind to cherish his memories his wife of 29 years, Carolyn Naomi Corley-Ashford; daughters, Sylvia Nicole Ashford Jones and Syreeta (Marcus) Cox; son, John Harrison (Aleysia) Ashford; grandchildren, Douglas “Trey” Jones III, Abigail Cox, and Marcus Cox II; brother, James (Nancy) Glover;  a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends and tennis players who will cherish fond memories for a lifetime. 

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