Ashley was born on May 14, 1977, to AJ Potts Jr and Carolyn Potts. He received his early education in the Duplin County school system and later continued in the Pender County system. Seeking independence and a career path of his own, he began working in construction alongside his father before transitioning to employment at Valley Protein. He ultimately secured his final position at the House of Raeford.

Ashley was highly regarded by all who knew him, known for his ability to bring laughter to any situation. His tall stature made him hard to miss, and his personality made him difficult to forget. Growing up as the sole male sibling in a household dominated by females, he developed a protective nature towards his sisters, which he maintained throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his father, AJ Potts Jr., sister, Channel, nephew Te’Sean Dorsey, paternal Grandmother Pattie Potts Newkirk, paternal Grandfather AJ Potts Sr., maternal Grandmother Clare Mae Carr, and maternal Grandfather Rivers Carr Sr.

Left to cherish his loving memory is his loving mother Carolyn C. Calton, faithful stepfather, Winfred Carlton, devoted sister Evangela Potts-Dove (Tyrone) Fredericksburg VA, Irish twin Kimberly Potts, Wallace, NC, cherished sister Emily C. Devane (Cassel) Clinton, NC, loyal baby sister Lil Kim Calton (Curtis), Step-Grandmother Gracie B. Potts, Greensboro, NC, greatest aunt Vivian C. Coston.

Due to the close nature of the family dynamic, Ashley had a host of first cousins that were his surrogate brothers and sisters Altovise Powell (DJ) Zebulon, NC, Tatiana Powell Rocky Mt, NC Eric Potts (Lisa) Knightdale, NC, Christopher Potts Rose Hill NC, Timothy Mathis (Lekeshia), Phoenix AZ and a brother-like relationship with Marshell Rhodes of Rose Hill. Ashley was the first babysitter to his nephew Christopher Dorsey; Conway, SC he was the great-uncle to Aidyn Dorsey and Nolyn Thrash, Fredericksburg, VA. He had a loving relationship with his extended family, stepsister Tanisha Smith, wonderful stepbrother Paris Smith, and beloved step-nephews Taurian Smith and Jordan Smith, all of Knightdale.