William A. Ashcraft (Billy, Bill), 74, passed away March 30, 2025 at Chenango Memorial hospital with his wife and children at his side.
Bill was born in Norwich, NY on November 17, 1950 to William Asa Ashcraft and Mary Louise (Cole) Ashcraft. Bill graduated from Norwich High School. Bill was employed at the Chenango County Highway Department for 35 years. After retiring he went to work for Burrell’s Excavating for the past 18 years. He made several lifelong friends throughout his years of employment. In his spare time Bill enjoyed driving late model division and sprint cars. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and was an avid NASCAR fan.
Bill is survived by his wife Patricia A. Murray (Patty); his son Travis, aka Buck (Stephanie) Ashcraft; his daughter, Jennifer (Scott) Stevens; and his son, John (Kelly) Fern; his grandchildren, Troy Beckwith, Bryan, aka Best Buddy and (Kelsey) Beckwith, Taylor Stevens, Emily Stevens, Morgan Fairbanks (Jacob), Bryce (Vanessa) Fairbanks, Wyatt (Katlin) Ashcraft, Collin, Andrew and Anna Fern; his great-grandchildren, Alexis and Rhett Beckwith, Jeremy Troidl, Kamden and Bowen Durgala, Hazel and Wyliegh Fairbanks, and Wesley Ashcraft. Bill is also survived by his sister-in-law Linda Ashcraft; his niece, Cora (Kyle) Ashcraft; her son Corbin; his nephew, Scott (Jill) Bennett and their children, Nate and Emily Bennett.
Bill was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Glen Ashcraft; his infant son Bryan; his wife of 23 years Terry “Tink “ Brown Ashcraft and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Bill was deeply devoted to his family and built an extended family through his friends in the Plymouth and Norwich communities. Bill was always willing to provide a helping hand to anyone in need and many of his friends were the same. He will be dearly missed by many.
Family and friends are invited to share their special memories of Bill at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, 116 N. Broad St. Norwich, NY on Friday, April 4th, at 1:00 p.m. Calling hours will take place on Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Bill will be laid to rest at South Plymouth Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Plymouth Fire Department, 3461 State Highway 23 Plymouth, NY 13832 or to the Chenango County SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815.