Floyd Raymond Ashton, Jr.

Floyd Raymond Ashton, Jr., 84, of Elizabeth City, NC (formerly of Hoopersville, MD) passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on May 31, 2023.

A lifelong waterman and truck driver, he was born to Floyd and Mary Ashton of Hoopersville, MD on November 12, 1938.  Always one to put family first, he dropped out of school in the ninth grade to provide for his family as an oyster waterman, a vocation at which he excelled.  He also was a competitive boat-docker, earning multiple trophies in each pursuit.

In 1959 he wed Peggy Marie Rippons who gave him three children.  Having relocated to Elizabeth City, NC in 1984, Floyd and Marie founded Ashton Seafood, Inc. which they ran from 1992 until its closing in 2003.

Beloved by family and friends alike, Floyd was rarely seen without a cigar in one hand, a cup of coffee in the other, and a joke at the ready, He could always be depended on to deliver sound advice and his generosity was unrivaled.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Thomas and Wayne Ashton, and sister Dottie Elzey.

He is survived by his loving wife Marie, son Gene Ashton and wife Kissy Bridges, daughter Mary Willey and husband Phillip Willey, daughter Renee Stallings and husband Don Stallings, grandson David Willey and wife Danielle Willey, grandson Gene Ashton, Jr., granddaughter Kristen Ashton, grandsons Corey Stallings, Cody Stallings, Casey Stallings, granddaughter Alexis Ashton, and great-grandchildren Nicole Maher, Skyler Maher, Mackenzie Weatherly, Riley Willey, Macie Ashton, and several nieces and nephews that he thought of dearly.  He will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on June 5, 2023 at Riverside Baptist Church, 1528 Weeksville Road, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 with Pastor Jason Davis officiating.  A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at Dorchester Memorial Park Cemetery, 5391 Aireys Road, Cambridge, MD 21613 with Pastor Jason Davis officiating. A visitation will be held from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. at Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, 308 High Street, Cambridge, MD 21613 prior to the graveside service.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.newcombcollins.com.