Gilbert Lee Ashby, affectionately known as "Al Capone," was born in Princess Anne County, Virginia. He entered eternal rest on January 1, 2026, in Chesapeake, Virginia, leaving a legacy defined by intelligence, strength, humor, and love.

From an early age, Gilbert carried himself with smooth confidence and quiet discipline. As a student and athlete in the early 1970s, he was known for his strong team commitment, sharp mind, and leadership without pretense. He graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 1974 at Kempsville High School and later served his country honorably as a member of the United States Marine Corps.

Gilbert was the beloved husband of Tracee Evon Ashby and a devoted father to Carlos Fentress, Ishmel Bell, Aikeen Bell, William Jefferson, Najee Jefferson, and Kari Jefferson. He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather who found joy in every generation.

He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Naphisah Fentress; great-grandchild Mioshi Aila Fentress; Khariah Davis; A'Honesti Spencer-Fentress; Aikeen Bell; Nevaeh Bell; Knowledge Jefferson; Legend Jefferson; Truth Jefferson; Leilani Bell; and Karma Jefferson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Ashby Sr. and Ella Mae Ashby, and his siblings Melvin Fentress, Beverly Wilson, and Douglas Ashby. He leaves to cherish his memory his siblings Allen Taylor (Stella), Jesse Ashby Jr. (Yvette), Claretha Ashby, Georgia Smith (Howard), Lee Drew Ashby (Sandra), Hopie Ashby, and Janice Clark (Larry); his aunt Earlean Wilkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends, including Ronnie Collins, Clavin "Poochie" Blount, Eugene "Gene Boy" Griffin, Demetries "Chop" Ashby, Jimel Ashby, Armar Wilson Sr., Tion Ashby, Tiona Ashby, Luella Johnson, Shari Ashby, and Sharee Ashby.

Gilbert was intelligent and street-smart, funny, loving, protective, and generous. He was spiritual by nature and a member of New Light Baptist Church. He loved jazz, R&B, reggae, and Janet Jackson, and his favorite color, blue, reflected his calm and confident spirit.

His words, "Let me live," captured his authenticity and his way of moving through life. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.

A funeral service will be held 12:00 pm on Friday, January 16, 2026 at New Light Full Gospel Baptist Church, 5549 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach. Interment will be at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk. Viewing will be from 5pm until  7pm Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, 500 Liberty Street, Chesapeake.

You can join the service livestream at 12:00 pm on Friday, January 16, 2026, at: https://www.facebook.com/PretlowandSons