Robert Benson Ausley

Robert Benson Ausley died Friday, February 18, 2011, in Winston-Salem, N.C. after a short illness. He was born July 13, 1923, in Franklinville, N.C. to Edward Benson Ausley and Mary Dodson Ausley. His parents, his brother, Joe Ausley, Irving Aulsey, and Paul Ausley and two sisters, Opal Bryant and Glenva Cox precede him in death. One sister-in-law, Velma Ausley and nieces, nephews and cousins survive him. Mr. Ausley graduated from Franklinville High School in 1941 and remained to work in the cotton mill in Franklinville for one year. He spent another year working at the Norfolk Navy Yards in Norfolk, Virginia. On April 14, 1943 he enlisted into the U.S. Army and served for three years. During this time, he achieved the rank of Sergeant where he was chief of a twelve-man security and ammunition section of the 736th Field Artillery Battery. He was responsible for the proper use of two heavy machine guns and the ammunition they required. He served both in France and Germany and was involved in the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Ausley's time spent serving his country was special to him. He continued to attend reunions with those whom he served. All during his life, his church was important. He served as Sunday School teacher at both Oakhurst Baptist Church and Mount Shepherd United Methodist Church in Asheboro. He was a man familiar with the scriptures and he lived his life accordingly. He enjoyed guiding his sons and others through the Boy Scout program. When he moved to Winston-Salem in 2004, he became an active member of the Konnoak Hills Moravian Church. After his love of his God and his family, Mr. Ausley loved the University of North Carolina Tarheels. He was an avid sports fan and was always looking forward to their next game. He golfed throughout his life and was ready to play as long as the weather was warm. He married in 1951 and worked for the N.C. Department of Transportation for 33 years. From that marriage to Athlee Bray, he is survived by Larry Ausley and his wife, Becky Ausley of Asheboro and Jeff Ausley and his wife, Angie Ausley, of Candler, NC; grandson, Chris Ausley, of Dallas, TX. In 1979, he married Grier McLeod Hardin. At the time, he acquired another family. Peggy Hardin Lemon and husband, Merle Lemon of Winston-Salem, NC and Becky Hardin Minnix and husband, Ronald Minnix of Pfafftown, NC, survive him. Grandchildren include Tim Lemon of Roaring River, NC, Jennifer Lemon Pegram and husband, Chris Pegram of Kernersville, NC and Grant H. Minnix of Winston-Salem. Great-grandchildren are Trevor Lemons and Katlin Lemon of Roaring River and Morgan Pegram of Kernersville. After his wife's death in 2004, he remained an integral part of his blended family. He always remembered birthdays and special occasions with cards and candy. He loved all of us and we all loved him. He was a special man and never said an ill word about or against anyone. His presence made a great impact on all of our lives. A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm, Sunday, February 20, 2011, at Konnoak Hills Moravian Church with visitation following the service at the church. A service of burial, with full military honors, will be held 11:00am, Monday, February 21, 2011 at Randolph Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel in Asheboro, NC. Visitation will precede the burial service at the mausoleum chapel. The family wishes to thank: the staff of Brighton Gardens Assisted Living in Winston-Salem for helping Mr. Ausley make their home, his home; the staff of Forsyth Medical Center, especially the NeuroICU unit, for all their labors; and the staff of Oak Forest Health and Rehabilitation for their patience and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Konnoak Hills Moravian Church, 3401 Konnoak Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27012, earmarked for local missions or The First Tee of the Triad, PO Box 236, Clemmons, NC 27012.

Memorials:
Konnoak Hills Moravian Church, 3401 Konnoak Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27012, earmarked for local missions or The First Tee of the Triad, PO Box 236, Clemmons, NC 27012.

Cemetery:
Randolph Memorial Park

Service:
Service at 02:00pm on February 20, 2011 at Konnoak Hills Moravian Church Service at 11:00am on February 21, 2011 at Randolph Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel