Ashley retires after 50 years of service

(Story by Larry Jones)

AEP Texas External Affairs Manager Harold Ashley (center in photo above) listens as Vice President of External Affairs Julio Reyes (left) and Manager of External Affairs and Customer Service Ken Griffin (right) present him with the traditional retirement “meter lamp.” Ashley was recognized for his 50 years of service during a retirement reception in Fulton, Texas.

Prior to his retirement, Ashley was the third longest tenured employee throughout American Electric Power. He began his career working as a lineman trainee for the former Central Power and Light Company in Sinton, Texas. His first day was spent repairing an underground streetlight circuit in nearby Taft. Back then, that meant he learned how to use a shovel.

He and his family moved six times throughout his career in a variety of jobs before moving to Rockport in 1985 as local manager where he remained for the following 32 years. During that time, he assumed responsibility for Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, Ingleside, in addition to Fulton, Lamar and Holiday Beach.

Ashley has been very active in his communities, and the retirement reception was attended by many area leaders, as well as co-workers, other retirees, family members and friends.