Mr. Robert Edwin Ashford (affectionately known as “Ed” and “Fox”), husband of Mercedese Seibles Ashford, departed this earthly life on September 27, 2007, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital in Winnsboro, SC. Ed was born March 29, 1950 in Fairfield County to the late Robert Ashford and the late Essie Mae Ashford Bell. He was the step-son of the late Leroy Bell.

Ed became a member of the Morris Creek Baptist Church at an early age. He attended the public schools of Fairfield County, graduating in 1968 from McCrorey-Liston High School. He served in Law Enforcement for the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office for a number of years and later became a long distance truck driver.

Ed leaves to cherish his loving and fond memories: devoted and loving wife, Mercedese, two sons, Technical Seargent Devin Ashford of the United States Air Force, Sumter, SC; Justin Ashford, Winnsboro, SC, two daughters Jenee and Marchita Ashford of the home, mother-in-law Elease Seibles, Winnsboro, SC; four sisters, Pansy Burns, Winnsboro, SC; Runace (Theodore) Byrd, Winnsboro, SC; Joyce Owens, Columbia, SC; and Wilhemenia (Alfonso) Adams, Columbia, SC; two sisters-in-law, Joyce (Perry) Robinson, Winnsboro, SC; Minnie Bell, Winnsboro, SC; two brothers-in-law, Melvin (Carolyn) Seibles, Jr., Blair, SC; Kenny (Towanda) Seibles, Columbia, SC. he is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and three special great-nephews, Ranard McKamey, Jr., Theron Byrd, Jr., and Tyon Byrd.

He was predeceased by one brother, Kelvin Bell, and father-in-law, Melvin Seibles, Sr.

Russell-McCutchen Funeral Home of Winnsboro is in charge of arrangements.