David Cavileer Ashley

Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand".

Obituary

David Cavileer Ashely gained his wings to heaven on December 1st, 2025. David was born on November 22, 1959, in Quantico, Virginia to Maurice Cavileer Ashley, Jr. and Marion Beverly Ashley (née Clark). As the son of a U.S. Marine, David traveled to wherever his father was deployed, making his childhood a grand adventure across the globe. During those years, David and his siblings would buy fried bananas from street vendors in Thailand, savoring every bite. Years later, settled on the East Coast, they'd still seek out those same beloved bananas, chasing the taste of childhood memories. But no matter where his family's travels took them, David always considered Annapolis, Maryland, his true home. He was a true Annapolitan at heart, embracing his lifestyle.

David graduated from Oakton High School in Oakton, Virginia and went on to earn his degree from the University of Maryland. He built a successful career as a Sales Manager for a Mercedes-Benz dealership, where he worked for many years while completing his bachelor’s degree. Later in life, he took a leap of faith and pursued his Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law, always reaching for the next challenge. He dabbled in government contract work. He served as an Assistant Public Defender for Anne Arundel County, where he shed light on corruption within Baltimore's public service sector. He later established himself as a private criminal and traffic defense attorney, practicing creative legal arguments in the court room; committed to justice and advocacy.

Through his father he learned to sail boats and be a fisherman through and through. In his earlier years, Dave would catch large rock fish and sell them at the Fish Market in Annapolis. Into fatherhood, he would take his kids out on the Annapolis waters, hunting for rockfish. But true to his gentle nature, he'd always carefully remove the hook and release each fish back into the bay, giving it another chance at life.

That tenderness extended to all creatures. David had a soft spot for any animal in need. More times than anyone could count, he'd pull his car over on Anne Arundel roads to help a turtle safely cross to the other side. This deep love for animals lives on beautifully in his sons, Michael and David, who share their father's affection for all living things.

David was also meticulous and detailed in his everyday activities. He kept a daily planner logging each location he went to, like a personal memory book. He was super well-organized. His long sleeve collar shirts hung by color and his dress pants were properly hung in his closet, same with his suits, all even spaced.

David’s favorite food was Thai food. He took me to almost any Thai restaurant he could find, especially Pasara Thai in Alexandria. He enjoyed his Thai food, especially when spicey. As much as he enjoyed his restaurant cooked Thai food, he also enjoyed his family’s homemade Thai food. He was so happy to share the food his family made with you.

For years, you could find David in seat C-13 at Navy football games, dressed in his signature cream-colored cargo pants and desert military sun hat with the string tied under his chin. He made it a tradition to invite family to every Navy vs. Air Force game, and his face lit up with pride the first time both his boys joined him there. Later, as a father, he would take his boys to the NFL games to please the children’s passion for football.

David, who never showed up empty-handed, built friendships that lasted a lifetime. High school friends became like siblings, cherished companions on life's journey. He valued strong moral character in others. But above all, his mother remained the centerpiece of his life—her opinion mattered most. Through David's example, we learn the profound importance of self-love and the strength of a village of support.

David had beautiful bluish-greenish eyes, with brown specs, and his puffy chipmunk cheeks that made you want to squeeze them. He enjoyed making a Turkey BLT on a hearty bread with mayonnaise. Perhaps you were lucky enough to taste one of his specialty Dishes Quinoa with veggies!

David is preceded in death, by his father, Maurice Cavileer Ashley and John Ashley, his brother. From up above, he watches over two children. He watches over his mother, Marion Beverly, his brother Bob, his sister Valerie and nephews and nieces, Damien, Darien, Brett, Michael, Kristin and brother John’s first born.

A GoFundMe has been established for his children. All donations will go into a trust for the benefit of the boys. 
www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-the-life-and-legacy-of-david-ashley


A Celebration of Life for David will be hosted on:
Date:  SUNDAY, FEB 22 between  1:00 pm -3:00 pm (Date changed due to weather)
Venue:  Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium 
550 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401
Room: 1st Floor VADM Lawrence Facility


Parking Details and Directions:
*Directions to Celebration of Life held in VADM Lawrence N Room

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