Donald Ashworth

Donald Lee Ashworth, Sr., known as "Pete" to his many friends and family, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the age of 89.

Before meeting the love of his life, Pete joined the U.S. Navy and served his country proudly aboard the Navy Destroyer, USS John Hood from which he was Honorably Discharged. 

Pete is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carol Higginbotham Ashworth. Carol remembers when she first met Pete he was driving a beautiful 1957 Ford Fairlane that he was so proud of. Carol said he used to tell people the reason he chose her was because she was the only girl that didn't want to drive his car. Pete loved driving and traveling and dedicated his whole life's work to doing just that. 

Pete had a long career as an Engineer for LNN Railroad, CSX Railroad and Amtrak. He spent more than 35 years traveling around the country. After retiring from the Railroad, he knew he wanted to continue his travels. So in true Pete fashion, he bought a brand new Peterbilt Semi-Truck, talked Carol into retiring with him, and they hit the road traveling for weeks at a time across the country. He was on a long haul trip when his first Grandchild was born and he made it back to town just hours after she arrived. He knew immediately his days of driving the truck were over and all he wanted to do was be a Papaw. He loved being a Papaw and his grandchildren loved being with him, even as they grew into adults. 

Pete had many passions, one specifically was being a Ham Radio Operator. He was an expert at Morse Code and would stay up half the night talking with people all around the world. 

Pete was an active member of the American Legion Post 255 (Fultondale, AL). He was there almost every day. If you needed him and he was not at home, it was almost guaranteed that he was at the Legion laughing with his friends.

Pete was predeceased by his Father, Henry Ashworth, Sr., his Mother, Beryl Ashworth, three brothers, Henry Ashworth, Jr., Jack Ashworth and Bob Ashworth.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Higginbotham Ashworth, his two sons, Donald Lee Ashworth, Jr. and Russell Ashworth (Dianne), Grandchildren Haley Ashworth Jernigan (Shaun), Heather Ashworth and David Lee Ashworth and one Great-Grandson, Hunter Jernigan.

Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00pm on Tuesday, November 26th, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville followed by a graveside service the next morning, Wednesday, November 27th at 10:00am. 

"When death on day comes for me, I shall go with a smile on my face, a hallelujah on my lips, and no fear in my heart, as my God will be coming for me and where I will be going no more troubles will I ever see" - Amen