Olando B. Ashford

Olando "Ace" Ashford was born on February 22, 1963, in South Carolina. He had a remarkable ability to fill every room with love and laughter. While he spent much of his childhood in New York, he considered Columbus, Ohio, his cherished home. Sadly, he passed away on May 10, 2026, at the age of 63. 

Ace had a true passion for cooking! He even went to trade school to perfect his culinary skills. There's nothing quite like the aroma of his barbecue during family gatherings and holidays. His famous turkey and chicken were crowd favorites that everyone eagerly anticipated, and don’t forget he enjoyed his lemon snack! When he wasn’t whipping up delicious meals in the kitchen, Ace worked as a security guard at the offices of McGraw-Hill. 

With his infectious, cool Ace smile and a style that lit up the room, he was sure to turn heads. Ace was the life of every party. When evening fell, you could count on Ace to be dressed to impress, ready to hit the dance floor at The Club! And come sunrise, he could be found on the porch, soaking up the sun and enjoying listening to his favorite music. He would often tell people he was getting a tan. 

Ace was a loving husband, Dad, Pops, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and a dear friend with the TCB Boys. Ace will be fondly remembered by many, having been preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor Gregory, his brother Godfrey Gregory, sister Cynthia Patterson, and brother-in-law Tracy Reed. He leaves behind a loving family that includes his devoted wife, Nina Ashford, and his wonderful daughters Tiffany Alexander, Asha Shelley (Colby), LaShelle Harris, and Sharah Macklin (David). Ace cherished his grandchildren, Tiana Alexander, Marvion Jones, and Daniel Macklin, who will surely carry on his legacy. 

He is also survived by his sisters Collette Evans, Velvetta Ashford, and Lynda Gregory, and his brothers Angelo Ashford (Flora), Anthony Ashford (Amanda), and Charles Escue. Ace enjoyed the love and support of a large family, including many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be dearly missed by his mother-inlaw, Sherry Glasco (Joe); sister-in-law, Tia Reed; brother-in-law, Leeaire Brown (Tara); and the extended Wilson, Rider, Lively, Warren, Fenwick, Reed, and Wielandt families. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. 

From the heart of his loving wife, “You will be missed, babe.”