Barnard Ashworth

Barnard Alred Ashworth, a devoted family man, proud veteran and faithful servant, of Eden, North Carolina passed away peacefully at age 100 on September 5, 2026.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday September 9th, 2026 at Fair Funeral Home Chapel, with a visitation held one hour prior to the service from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Fair Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Dan View Cemetery with military honors performed by the Rockingham County Veteran’s Honor guard.

Born on September 27, 1925, in Eden NC, Barnard lived a life defined by honor and duty. A proud member of the greatest generation, he bravely answered the call to serve his country during WWII holding the rare distinction of serving in both the United States Navy and the Marine Corps. His dedication to defending freedom was a source of pride for his family and an inspiration to all who knew him.

Upon returning from his military service, he worked for over 40 years at Fieldcrest Mills. Barnard built a life deeply rooted in faith. His devotion to the Lord was evident in his decades of involvement beginning at First United Methodist Church of Draper. For many years at Victory Baptist Church, he served faithfully and shared his wisdom, kindness and love of scripture as a Sunday School superintendent and deacon. He shaped the faith of generations, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy. Beyond his service to his country and church, Barnard was the cornerstone of his family. He was a source of wisdom, gentle guidance and unconditional love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wiley A. Ashworth and Emma Davis Ashworth McCray and by his sister Anne A. Bradford.

His memory will forever be cherished by his surviving family: his wife Virginia Hopkins Ashworth, his daughter Carol Ashworth Stephens Talbert, grandchildren Kim Stephens Nichols and Michael Stephens, 7 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren, his brother Bill Ashworth, nieces and nephews and their children.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to Ancora Compassionate Care or Victory Baptist Church, 2040 E. Stadium Dr. Eden NC.