John Brent Christie 1956 - 2012
John B. Christie passed away while working at his home in Bellefonte on Nov. 7 at the age of 56.
John was the founder and owner of Liberty Holding Group, a commercial real estate company. Liberty owned, developed and managed many commercial properties and businesses during the last 30 years. John was responsible for rehabbing and revitalizing many of downtown Ashland's iconic properties, including the Sky Tower, the historic Ben Williamson Building, the Star's Building, the Putnam Building and many more. John saw a future in some of Ashland's older historic properties and spent his energy and his time devoted to bringing them back to life. John envisioned a thriving downtown Ashland and worked tirelessly to that goal all of his adult life, resulting in many new companies and jobs for the community. John began his career at the age of 6, sweeping floors at the Ben Williamson Hardware Co., and eventually rose to own both the business and the historic building.
John is survived by his wife, Alison, and their sons, Alexander Durant Christie and Austin Trevor Christie. John's parents, Wiley B. Christie and Virginia Christie, predeceased him. Also surviving him are two brothers, Wiley B. Christie Jr. and Joe (Pam) Christie; and several special nieces and nephews. John was blessed with many, many steadfast friends. John was a father, friend, brother, husband, son and a family man.
John was a member of First United Methodist Church and a former member of the Ashland Alliance, Ashland Rotary Club, Ashland Elks BPOE 350, Ashland Main Street and Paramount Arts Center. John was a Boy Scout and was the chairman for two years of the Scouts Annual Fundraising Luncheon. With John's leadership, these two luncheons raised more than $60,000 for the Boy Scouts.
John was an avid sports car enthusiast and his love for convertibles was well known. He enjoyed driving his Viper on the racetracks at the Dodge sponsored Viper Owners Invitational. He was an avid antiques and art collector and recently began playing golf again after a 10 year hiatus.
There will be a private family burial, and friends are encouraged to reminisce and write stories about the good times to be included in a memorial scrapbook with pictures. It is the family's wish that future generations will have these stories and pictures to get to know the special man John was. These stories may be mailed or given to the family at any time.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to Safe Harbor, Ashland Main Street or a charity of choice.
Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com
