Ashley Nyle Chilton

Longtime businessman, farmer and community leader, Mr. Ashley Nyle Chilton, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Baptist Health Louisville with his devoted wife and family by his bedside, at the age of 84. Born on Sunday, November 30, 1941, in Franklinton, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Oldham Gayle and Alberta (Kelley) Chilton. Growing up on the farm, he learned at an early age that hard work was the key to his success, working many days in the office and many nights in the field. He continued farming and working throughout his entire life.

A proud alumnus of Pleasureville High school, he was “Mr. Pleasureville High” when he graduated in 1959. He furthered his education, graduating cum laude from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics, where he was a member of the Sigma Delta and Alpha Zeta Fraternities. He began his career as an appraiser and negotiator for the Kentucky Highway Department before moving back home to accept a job as a loan officer at the Deposit Bank of Pleasureville, where he worked his way up to the role of Executive Vice-President. He received his banking certification from the L.S.U school of banking. After more than two decades in the banking business, Mr. Chilton’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished when he opened the Chilton Insurance Agency and the Chilton Realty Company in Pleasureville. Both of which he ran successfully for many years, even continuing to manage real estate throughout his retirement.

Outside of his many business endeavors, Ashley had an unwavering commitment to his community serving on many boards and committees. Most notably, as the longest serving chairman of the Shelby Energy Cooperative, beginning his service in 1976 and only retiring from the board last year. He was the former president of the Eminence Rotary Club, past treasurer of the Henry County Fair Board, former president of the Pleasureville Farmers and Businessman’s Club, past member and president of the UK Louisville Area Agricultural Alumni Association and founding member and past secretary of the Henry County Country Club. A longtime member of Pleasureville Baptist Church, he formerly served as a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent and Trustee. In response to his overwhelming service to his community, he was honored to be recognized as a Kentucky Colonel and often wore his hat with pride.

An avid reader and a passionate historian, Ashley was a wealth of information. He spent many hours throughout his life, collecting, telling stories, and sharing his love of history. That passion led him to be a charter member and past president of the Henry County Historical Society, as well as, the proud curator of a vast antique collection, that ranged from anything as small as a pre-civil war marble to a 1928 Model A Ford. Ashley was a friend to many and always had a joke to share to put a smile on your face and a laugh in your belly. His wisdom, friendship and hard work ethic has left a lasting impression on this community. In addition to his parents, Ashley is preceded in death by his sister, Brenda (Chilton) Morgan.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mrs. Nancye (Billings) Chilton with whom he married on Saturday, September 9, 1961; son, Kelley Dean Chilton (Rose) of Pleasureville; daughter, Chazelle “Chelley” Lane (Chilton) Spenneberg (Rob) of Carrollton; granddaughters, Khristian (Chilton) Birge (Nathan) of Glasgow, Ashley Spenneberg-Perkins (Bobby) and Johnica Spenneberg, both of Carrollton; three great-grandsons, Luke, Carter, and Rhett Birge; cousin, Barbara Ann Jones of Eminence; and nephew, Jarett Morgan (Janet) of Knoxville, TN.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 PM on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Beckley Funeral Home with the Reverend Mike Billings Officiating. Interment will follow in Franklinton Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Beckley Funeral Home and from 11 AM until the time of service on Saturday. Memorial contributions can be made to Pleasureville Baptist Church. With care and professionalism, arrangements are entrusted to Beckley Funeral Home.