Ernest Clayton Ogle

Ernest C. Ogle, 92, of Asheville, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2016 at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center while surrounded by family and friends. Ernest was born to Elsie and James Ogle on May 31, 1923 in Madison County, NC. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII where he trained the Free French in northern Africa and participated in the liberation of Paris. On August 31, 1951, Ernie married the love of his life, Betty Rector. Four years later, they gave birth to their beloved daughter, Debra. He retired from Deal Buick of Asheville after 47 years of service. Under his leadership as General Manager and Co-Owner, Deal was awarded numerous First-in-Class Awards, a designation reserved for top tier GM dealerships. With a strong commitment to his community, Ernie was a member of many organizations including Central United Methodist Church, where he often served as greeter and usher, and the Country Club of Asheville, where he was an avid golfer and proud member of the “Chinese Bandits”. He served on the Board of Directors of the Asheville Chapter of the American Red Cross; as President of the NC Automobile Dealers Association; and as President of Sales and Marketing Executives of Asheville. Preceding him in death were his parents and his brothers, Rial Ogle of Asheville and Leonard Ogle of Greenville SC. Left to carry on his memory and legacy are his beloved wife, Betty, of 64 years; his daughter, Debra Ogle of Asheville; his sister, Doris Jones of Savannah GA; nephews, Ronnie (and Carolyn) Ogle of SC; Dale (and Barbara) Ogle of Asheville; David (and Roxetta) Stepp of Dayton OH; Howard McPeek of Indianapolis IN; and nieces, Mary (and Brad) Grant of Savannah GA; Ann Perry of Huntersville NC; Ramonda (and Larry) Thompson of Greenville SC; and Teresa Mauk of Florence KY. The family will receive friends and loved ones Saturday, March 19, 2016, from 1:30-2:30 pm at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue. Funeral services will follow at 2:30 pm. Interment will immediately follow at Green Hills Cemetery. Rev. Dr. Robert M. Blackburn, Jr. and Rev. Amy Leachman of Central United Methodist Church will officiate. Honorary pallbearers will be Ronnie and Dale Ogle, David Stepp, Larry Thompson, Clifford Longcoy, Echols Bradley, and Richard Walker. The family offers a special thank you to Dr. Gregory Glance and staff of Carolina Internal Medicine; Dr. Meg Word-Sims and staff of Memorycare; the staff of Arbor Terrace of Asheville; and, the physicians and staff of the Solace Center for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Memorycare, 100 Far Horizons Ln, Asheville NC, 28803. This gentle giant of a man will be greatly missed.

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Ernest Clayton Ogle

May 31, 1923 - March 14, 2016