Ron Asbury

Charles R. (Ron) Asbury, age 84, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 10 at Tennova North. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Athey Asbury and Mildred Cox Asbury, and his sister Athaleen Asbury Collins. Ron was born in Knoxville, Tennessee where he graduated from Fulton High School and University of Tennessee. He was employed at Union Carbide Corp. as a process engineer until a career change took him and his family to Beaumont, Texas, eventually to Richmond, Texas. He was Vice President of Quality & Productivity at Lamar University’s John Gray Institute from 1982 to 1988, then went to Texaco, Inc., now Chevron, as Director of Quality Consulting. During his career, he was privileged to serve as President and then Chairman of the Board of American Society for Quality for 2 years. Following retirement, he did some consulting work and relocated to Foley, Alabama for 13 years, before returning home to Knoxville.

Even with a demanding career, his great passion was bi-vocational and/or volunteer music ministry. He served churches in Knoxville, Morristown TN, Beaumont, TX, Richmond, TX, Pasadena, TX, and Foley, AL. He is remembered for his enthusiasm and great love for sharing Jesus through music, leading adult choirs as well as youth choirs in Knoxville and Beaumont, Joyful Sound and Shining Light. 

Ron’s greatest love was his family. He leaves to cherish his memories and faithful devotion, his wife of 61 years, Carolyn Redden Asbury; daughters, Rhonda Klutts and son-in-law Joe Klutts, Angie Zimmerman and son-in-law Mark Zimmerman. His adored grandchildren are Jeremy Klutts (Tara), Cody Zimmerman (Kensey), Casey Zimmerman (Kendall), Kayla Zimmerman, and Valancia Zimmerman. Great-grandchildren are Everett Klutts, Marshall Klutts, Cole Zimmerman, and Rhett Zimmerman. He also was a beloved uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. 

Ron was a member of Salem Baptist Church in Halls. Family will be receiving friends on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 4:00 P.M to 6:00 PM at North Knoxville Baptist Church (his home church) Oldham Avenue. A Funeral service will follow at 6:00 PM with Pastor Allen James of Salem Baptist Church officiating. Family and friends will meet at 12:45 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Berry-Highland Cemetery on Kingston Pike for a 1:00 PM interment.  An online obituary may be viewed and condolences made at www.mynattfh.com.