B.R. Ashby

Dr. B.R. Ashby, local psychiatrist, businessman, and civic leader, passed away peacefully at home, 1124 Main Street, on August 15, 2013. He was the son of the late Fred James Ashby and Pernie Sizer Ashby. Dr. Ashby grew up in Schoolfield and was a graduate of George Washington High School. He attributed his life-long love of learning to the excellent teachers and mentors of the Danville Public School System who instilled in him the desire to follow his dreams. Dr. Ashby received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry at the University of Virginia in 1961, graduated from the UVA School of Medicine in 1965, and completed his Residency Training in Psychiatry at UVA in 1971. He served his country as Chief of Psychiatry, U.S. Naval Hospital at Cherry Point, N.C. from 1967-1969. Dr. Ashby returned to Danville in 1971 to begin his professional practice. For his continuous involvement in the community, the Kiwanis Club of Danville honored Dr. Ashby as the 2001 Kiwanis Citizen of the Year. In addition, as President and Chairman of Piedmont Broadcasting Corporation, Dr. Ashby had the opportunity to pursue his interests in music and media. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Frances Pryor Ashby; his three daughters, Jennifer Ashby DeSanto (Kevin) of Bethesda, Maryland, Meredith Ashby Ramsden (Chris) of Bethesda, Maryland, Margaret Ashby Maloney (Dan) of Arlington, Virginia; and son, Jefferson Pryor Ashby (Katie) of New York City; as well as five granddaughters and three grandsons. He is also survived by his only sister, Priscilla Ashby Beyer of Danville. The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 17th, at Townes Funeral Home from 4 - 5:30 p.m. A Memorial Service of Celebration will be held at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 18th, at 2 p.m. Internment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, the Danville Life Saving Crew, or The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region.