Robert spent his early childhood in the Sandjack community of Newton County. He attended Biloxi schools. He began his working career at an young age in the timber industry. He went on to become a logger for many years.
He was always the life of the party. You could always get a dance with him. He enjoyed the outdoors and was a people person.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Benjiman and Abbie Ashworth; son, Robert Earl Ashworth; six siblings,
Minnie Ola Spikes, Roy Lee Ashworth, Martha Kay Jenkins, Leola Williams, Benjiman Ashworth, Jr., and Margret Ervine.

He leaves to cherish his memory, one son, Emmit Jordan of Leesville, LA; two daughters, Lucille (Eric) Holloway and Mary (Dennis) Mitchell, both of Houston, TX; one brother, Steve Jenkins, Jr., of Huntsville, TX; one sister, Earnestine Ashworth of Call, TX; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one uncle; one aunt; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.