BILL (WILD BILL) ASHLOCK
1937 – 2017
Lodi resident and Stockton businessman Billy Ross Ashlock passed away on June 21, 2017 at Lodi Adventist Memorial Hospital with his loving wife, Mina, by his side. Bill was born in Hobbs, New Mexico in 1937 to his parents, Leroy and Beryl Ashlock. After graduating from Lodi High School, he joined the Navy. While serving aboard the Heavy Cruiser, U.S.S. St. Paul (1955-1959) the ship visited various ports including Japan and New Zealand. He served eight years including four in the Navy Reserve. During his military service, he married his wife, Mina Faires, at Temple Baptist Church in Lodi in 1956 and they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in March of this year. After leaving the Navy, Bill attended barber school and soon after, he opened Wild Bill’s Barber Shop in Stockton. During this time, he met many loyal customers and dear friends. Wild Bill’s Barber Shop was featured twice as an article in the Stockton Record because of its old-fashioned style. It was a place where men came to expect a quality haircut, could tell jokes and share colorful stories. Bill retired after 50 years. He was also a proud member of AA and volunteered many hours dedicating his life to helping others. He was instrumental in the opening of the Pershing Fellowship Group along with donating one day a week to leading a Big Book study group at the Salvation Army. Bill was active throughout his life, which included skydiving, scuba diving, abalone diving, refereeing racquetball tournaments and golfing and other various activities. He was a long time member of the Forest Lake Men’s Golf Club. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, and looked forward to and loved family gatherings where many laughs were shared. Bill is survived by his wife, Mina Ashlock, son, Bill Ashlock, his wife Durinda, daughter Tami (Ashlock) Benton, her husband Dan, his brother John Ashlock and his wife Pat. He is also survived by eight
grandchildren, Thomas (TJ), Dustin, Nathan, Shealeen, Terry, Shannon, Billy Ross and Todd. He was always proud of the grandchildren and their accomplishments. He is also survived by six greatgrandchildren, Aidan, Kaylee, Kaycee, Jonathan, Nathan and Cameron as well as many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many cherished and treasured friends. Bill knew no strangers. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Glen Ashlock, sister, Frances (Ashlock) Long and his daughter, Melodie Ashlock. Services will he held on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Temple Baptist Church, 801 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi at 11:00 AM. At his request, there will be no viewing. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Temple Baptist Church or the charity of your choice. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”
Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.