Charles Edgar "Herky" Asay was born in Charleston, WV, on December 28, 1942. Herky was the only child of Charles "Jack" Asay and Dora Waldeck Asay. He was known best for his contagious smile and vibrant personality.
Although he was stricken with the poliovirus at four years of age, having that experience didn''t define him. After spending six months in a recovery hospital, he was left walking with braces and crutches. He was able to do what any other growing boy could do. His parents encouraged and expected him to be as independent as possible. They ensured that independence by having him attend public school and treating him just like any other child. He never "knew" he had a disability.
Sports were HIS THING. When he was a boy, he played football with cousins and friends, putting the football in his mouth while he ran. He played basketball, shooting with one hand, and golf, sinking a hole-in-one as a young adult, which many seasoned, well-bodied golfers never achieve). He made many great memories being the catcher for the Five Corners Softball Team. Tennis was also a sport he truly enjoyed. When Raven was little, he taught her to dribble, shoot, throw, catch, hit a golf ball, and play tennis. Sharing his knowledge of sports brought him happiness and wow- he was a plethora of knowledge.
Herky graduated from Sissonville High School in 1960, where he was an eloquent editor of the school paper and the proud manager of the football team. He started college at Marshall University, where he became a member of the Teaks Fraternity. He then transferred to his mom and dad''s alma mater, Salem College, where he earned his B.S. in secondary education. His first teaching position was at Horace Mann Junior High School, where he made learning meaningful and coached tennis, leading his teams to numerous championships. During that time, he furthered his education by taking evening and summer classes through COGS (College of Graduate Studies). Through those classes, Herky earned his Master''s degree in Guidance Counseling and then, his Administrative Certificate. His first counseling position was at DuPont High School where he served with his lifelong friend, Brooks Watkins and so many other beloved coaches and friends. He then transferred to Sissonville High School to counsel upon the request of Principal Calvin McKinney (along with urging from his excited daughter). He retired in 1996 after humbly serving thirty years in Kanawha County Schools. Wow! That was a good many years of smiles, laughs, and great times with wonderful friends. He considered himself blessed.
However, this life is mortal, and on Thursday, February 11, in the late afternoon, Herky suffered a massive heart attack. He departed from this world on February 12, 2016 at 4:05 a.m. He began his eternal journey surrounded by his loving family- daughter, Raven Asay Miller, and cousins, Jim and Gail Waldeck.
Herky is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Raven and Joshua Miller and his two beautiful grandchildren, Lincoln Asay Miller and Channing Grace Miller. Additionally, he is survived by many cousins, the closest being Jim and Gail Waldeck and their family. The multitude of those he loved is better and more loving, having known him.
Visitation will be Monday, February 15, 2016 at the Sissonville High School Auditorium from 6-9 p.m. His "Celebration of Life" will be Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at Long and Fisher Funeral Home in Sissonville, WV at 11:00 a.m. Internment will be at Floral Hills Cemetery, immediately following, where he''ll be put to rest beside his parents, Jack and Dora Asay.
In lieu of flowers, Smart 529 College Funds for Lincoln Asay Miller and Channing Grace Miller will be set up at Wesbanco of Sissonville. It would truly please him to further the education of his precious grandchildren. Any donations may be sent to the following address: Wesbanco of Sissonville, 6409 Sissonville, WV 25312.
Long and Fisher Funeral Home, 6837 Sissonville Drive (304-984-3346) is in charge of arrangements. www.longfisherfuneralhome.com