Roy Neil Ashcraft's Obituary
Roy Neil Ashcraft was born in Washington, D.C. on May 9, 1931. On January 9, 2021, Neil arrived in his heavenly home, where he will spend eternity with his Heavenly Father and his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
In heaven, Neil has now been reunited with his wife, Joanna, his parents Archie and Ina, his sisters Betty and Nancy, his daughter-in-law Shellie, and his great-granddaughter Louisa, along with countless other individuals whose lives were impacted by Neil for eternity.
Neil and Joanna married in 1955 and were blessed with three children. Neil is survived by his daughter Pamela and Ron Bell and their adult daughters; Tami, Carrie, and Jake Mitchell and their daughters Sophie and Maggie; Mandie and Nate Menken, and their son Owen; as well as David and Ruth Ashcraft and their adult children Justin and Laura Ashcraft and their daughter Rayna; and Ashleigh and Kyle Dobbs; and Stuart Ashcraft and his son Shelby.
Growing up outside of San Francisco, Neil graduated from San Mateo High School, where he met his future wife, Joanna. Even before they were married, Neil and Joanna shared a passion for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to others. This passion led them to Biola University, with the hope of serving as missionaries to China upon graduation.
After completing his studies at Biola University, Neil and Joanna married and then entered graduate school at Dallas Theological Seminary. An avid learner, Neil also later received his DMin degree from Talbot Theological School.
Upon their completion of studies at Dallas Seminary, Neil and Joanna’s path was redirected to Paris, France, where they served for four years with The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM). From France they returned to northern California for seven years as Neil ministered, pastored and led Millbrae Baptist Church.
In 1970 Neil became the pastor of Scofield Memorial Church in Dallas, Texas, where he excelled as a shepherd leader for over 27 years. While in Dallas, Neil served in leadership roles on numerous boards, including the Central American Mission, Grad Resources and Market Place Ministries. After Scofield Church, Neil guided and led several Dallas-area-churches through times of transition. For the past two years he has resided in Sugarland, Texas.
Neil loved spending time with his family and with Joanna, his wife of 58 years. Weekly, and when healthy, he looked forward to playing a round of golf. Neil valued the opportunity to mentor others, and he enjoyed watching all sports.
For all who knew Neil, Neil leaves behind a legacy of loving Jesus, loving family, and loving others. And we are all proud to call him Dad, Dadaw, Pastor and friend.
Due to current safety conditions, Neil was laid to rest in a family only graveside service on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Restland Cemetery in Dallas. A public Memorial/celebration service to honor Neil will be scheduled at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Missions Fund of Scofield Memorial Church in Dallas, Texas.
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