Mr. William Askew, age 84, passed away on September 21, 2026.

William was born in Abanda, Alabama, to James and Grace Askew. On February 6, 1982, he married Glendora, beginning a loving marriage that would span 44 years.

William was a quiet and reserved man with a calm, steady presence. He was also playful, quick-witted, and known for a sense of humor that was unmistakably his own. Those closest to him will remember his smile, his deep baritone voice, and the reliability and consistency he brought to their lives. William may not always have expressed his love outwardly, but he showed it through the way he lived-by being present, providing, protecting, and taking care of the people he loved.

Hard work was one of the principles by which William lived. For more than 40 years, he worked in the trucking industry, eventually retiring from Con-Way Central Express. He took pride in being a provider and believed that a man should be prepared to take care of himself and his family. William “stayed ready”-ready to respond, quick on his feet, and never without his wit. He believed that hard work pays off, and he demonstrated that belief through the stability he created for himself and his family.

The home he and Glendora created was full of love. For decades, it was a place where family gathered for holidays, parties, celebrations, and time together. For a man who wasn’t much of a joiner, family and home were truly his world.

Beyond work and family, William knew how to enjoy the life he built. He had a lifelong love of horses and horse racing. Earlier in his adult life, he proudly owned a racehorse named Blue-a memorable chapter in a passion that remained with him throughout his life. For many years, William faithfully went to the racetrack, especially Thistledown. Later in life, the setting changed but the enjoyment did not; he could often be found watching the races from his favorite recliner in the family room.

Music was another constant companion throughout William’s life. He especially enjoyed jazz, blues, and spiritual music, listening to his favorites while traveling the roads over the years for both work and pleasure. He was also a sports fan who enjoyed watching basketball and football. In his younger years, William loved to run-sometimes simply taking off at full speed for the joy of it.

Above all, William’s life reflected consistency, responsibility, and devotion to family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and family man whose love was often expressed through what he did rather than what he said. His steady presence gave those around him a sense of security, and the life he built became a foundation his family could depend upon.

William was preceded in death by his parents, James and Grace Askew; his only, beloved son, Keith Askew; and his sister, Emma Valentine.

William leaves to cherish his memory; his devoted wife of 44 years, Glendora Askew; his loving family, Basim Muhammad; grandchildren, Arielle (Shon) Askew, Keith (Hailey) Askew, Yejide (Abdul Latif) Muhammad; four great-grandchildren, Britton, Kailey, Camari, and Leyali; his brothers, Henry (Rebecca) Askew and Willie Horace (Eddie Mae) Askew; his sister, Carlean Thomas, and also three special cousins; Helen Noble, Julia Walthour, and Robert Woodfalk and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

William’s legacy will live on through the family he loved and the example he set. His family will carry forward the lessons he demonstrated through a lifetime of hard work, preparedness, and reliability.