Charlie James Ash

Mr. Charlie James Ash was born on February 1, 1951, in Bessemer, Alabama. He was the 11th of 16 children born, raised and nurtured by his God-fearing parents, the late Mr. Connie and Mrs. Eva Darling Ash. Early in life, Charlie was given the nickname "Slick", affectionately known and called by his family and friends.

Slick confessed his love and belief in Jesus Christ at a young age. He was baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Bessemer, Alabama under the leadership of Reverend B.B. Strowder, and continued his membership until his transition under the leadership of Pastor William E. Scott.

Educated in the Bessemer School system, Slick completed his studies at Dunbar Elementary and Middle School. He continued his education, attending J. S. Abrams High School where he was a graduate of the Class of 1971. While in high school, he gained employment at Bessemer Carraway Hospital through the D.O. Trade Program. After graduating, and because of his exceptional work ethic, he was hired for fulltime employment. He was a loyal, devoted and very committed employee for over 40 years until his retirement in 2013.

Slick was a very quiet man, known for his soft-spoken personality. Family and friends described him as "A GENTLE GIANT". He was faithful to his family and cherished every passing moment with his wife, Brenda Jean and their sons, Alonzo and Anthony.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, two brothers, three nieces and three nephews.

Slick traded in his life on earth for this eternal life in Heaven on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at UAB Medical West Hospital at 3:13 a.m.

He leaves to cherish his memories: a loving and devoted wife, Brenda Jean Harrell-Ash; two sons, Alonzo (CaWanna) and Anthony Harrell of Bessemer, AL; grandchildren, Kiara and Tiara Harrell; Joseph Brown of Warrior, AL, Xiara Garrett of Greensboro, AL, Alex and James Harris of Huntsville, AL; two brothers, Bobby (Diane) Ash and Robert Lee Ash of Bessemer, AL; eight sisters, Bertha Fulford of Cleveland, OH, Mary Ash and Helen Boute' of Hartford, CT, Ida Gipson, Tommie Ash, Reda Cole, Dianne White of Bessemer, AL, Valorie (Bobby) Davis of Hoover, AL; one uncle, Herbert L. Peck of Cypress, CA and a hostof nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.