J.T. Ashby, 90, of Paragould went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 19, 2016.  He was born May 23, 1926, in Knobel, AR, to the late Pete and Margie Ashby.  He was a Navy Veteran that served during World War II.  J.T. was a Church of Christ minister.  He was dedicated to teaching children.  He taught Bible classes at Crowley's Ridge Academy and worked in maintenance at Crowley's Ridge College.  Later he was the resident manager at Children's Homes of Paragould.   He was a carpenter by trade, but most importantly a Christian.   J.T. was a loving, giving, Christian man who served the Lord with all his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 67 years, Dorothy Ashby; son, Bruce Ashby; and four brothers.

Survivors include J.T.'s son and daughter in law, Tim and Judy Ashby, of Paragould; daughters and sons in law, Lynn and Rick Watson, of Paragould, Karen and Jeff Thoele, of St. Louis, MO; sisters, Imogene Cable, Caroline Melton, Florence Davidson, and Cona Faye Ricker; grandchildren, Jeremy and Ashley Watson, Chris Watson, Jace Watson, Cody Ashby, Erika and Timmy Conway, Joni Hill, Bruce and Morgan Thoele; great grandchildren, Bailee and Chloe Watson and Aubree Conway.

The family will receive friends Thursday, December 22, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Center Hill Church of Christ under the direction of Phillips Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 23, 2016, at 7th and Mueller Church of Christ with Michael Meredith and Art Smith officiating.  Micah Brinkley will lead the song service.  Burial with military honors will follow at Liberty Cemetery.

J.T.'s grandsons will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be the Prayer Team.

Lasting memorials may be made to the Children's Homes of Paragould, Crowley's Ridge Academy, or Center Hill Church of Christ.