1948-2023
Tommy Lee “Ace” Endsley, age 75, of Bellefontaine and formerly of Broadway, Ohio, died peacefully on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. He truly loved life and fought to the very end. During his life, he had two major accidents and battled cancer twice. After all of this, he still never gave up.
On January 18, 1948, Tommy was born in Kenton, Ohio, the oldest of three children of the late Ralph B. and Martha A. (Comer) Endsley. He grew up in “the greatest place on Earth, Broadway, Ohio.” He attended Broadway schools until the 8th grade, transferring to Northwestern, then consolidating into Marysville High School and graduating in the class of 1966.
Having a lifelong love of cars, Tommy’s superior craftsmanship led him to the Honda Automotive Plant of Marysville, where he spent many years and made a lot of long-time friends. He then went on to work for Advanced Auto Parts, where he made more long-time friends, and eventually retired. He also was a member of the New Richland Baptist Church in Belle Center.
During his life, Tommy was one of the hardest-working people most of us have ever met. Whether it was long days on the job, out in the garage or out cutting wood, we could always count on him to do whatever was required to get the job done.
A racing fanatic, Tommy’s life revolved around the race track. He loved racing his own car at Columbus Motor Speedway, following his son, Doug, and nephew, Billie’s racing careers, and as a pit crew member on Todd Gibson’s Indy 500 race car team. His love of racing took him to several Nascar tracks, along with his favorite local tracks including Shadybowl, Eldora, and Waynesfield.
Tommy overflowed with love for his family and friends. He was his grandkids biggest fan, attending all of their activities and sporting events, even though he still doesn’t quite understand soccer. He cherished spending time and playing with them, and following Jenna’s softball career. He loved cars and racing, and more cars and more racing. He also loved researching his family ancestry, hamburgers, cherry pie, and Benny’s Pizza. He loved his childhood, growing up with his family in Broadway. He also loved riding his golf cart at Indian Lake.
Quite the character, Tommy will be missed for being his own unique, special self.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 44 years, Pam Endsley of Bellefontaine; two sons: Doug (Wendy) Endsley of North Carolina, and Joe Endsley of Florida; two step-children: Christa (PJ) Williams of Marysville, and Cory (Anne) Davis of Columbus; 8 grandchildren: Jenna, Hunter, Kinsey (Phillip), Kylee, Logan, Maeve, Charlie, and Harry; 3 great-grandchildren: Brailey, Lilah, and Rory; a sister, Berdina Morehart of Marysville; 3 nephews and one niece: Billie, Tabitha, Chad, and Michael; his mother-in-law, Glenna “Bunny” McCloud; and countless dear friends.
Including his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his brother, Billie W. Endsley Sr; and his father-in-law, Maynard McCloud.
His family will greet friends from Noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Ingram Funeral Home, 975 N. Maple St., Marysville. Everyone will then drive in procession to Broadway Cemetery to honor his life at his graveside at 2:30 p.m.
On behalf of his family, they would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to his awesome nurses: Erin and Sydney.
Memorial contributions may be made to Northwestern Alumni Association, c/o Lynn Hall, 15112 St. Rt. 347, Marysville, OH 43040, or to Universal Home Health & Hospice (https://www.uhcinc.org/donate.html).
Ingram Funeral Home is honored to serve Tommy’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.IngramFuneralService.com.
