He was born March 11, 1961 in Charleston, WV to John and Barbara (Shamblin) Ashley of Reedy, WV.

Surviving are his wife of 34 years Billie Nichols Ashley; son Justin (Britany) Ashley; daughter, Amy Ashley (Michael Rodgers) and 7 grandchildren Myah, Sydni, Jackson, and Creed of Lore City, Ohio and Frankie, Jameson, and Lane of Cowen, WV.; sisters Kara (Duke) Hardway of Buchannon, WV; and Jennifer(Robert) Stout of Peoria, AZ and brother Malcolm (Carla) Ashley of Elizabeth, WV. Also surviving are a special nephew, Michael (Tiffani) Roberts and family and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his sister Alecia Ann Kendall.

In 1976-1979 he was WV first 4 time A/AA high school state wrestling Champion from Spencer High School. He was a 1983 graduate of Glenville State College with a Bachelor's in Education double majored with a minor in coaching.

Matt was an avid horseman and enjoyed spending time driving a team of work horses. He took pride in being the head coach of Wirt County Tigers wrestling from 1986-1998. He was selected Coach of the year in 1997. He was a teacher in both Calhoun and Wirt Counties. Matt also worked for many years at Century Aluminum Ravenswood, WV. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at Stump Funeral Home & Cremation, Inc., Arnoldsburg, WV on Monday, December 23, 2019 at 7:00pm with Rev. Roger Carter officiating. Visitation will be held Monday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. prior to the service.

As per his request, his remains will be cremated and a private graveside service will take place at a later date.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.stumpfuneralhomes.com