John Vernon Ledford

John Vernon Ledford, age 82, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at the McDowell Hospital with his loving family at his side on Saturday, October 21, 2017.  The son of the late Charles and Bertha Burnette Ledford, he was born in McDowell County, North Carolina on April 28, 1935.

A loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, John enjoyed playing golf, hunting, going fishing and ginseng hunting.  A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he attended Montford Cove Baptist Church. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, June Williams; three brothers, Phillip, Cecil and Benjamin; and three sisters, Anniebelle, Jewell and Ethel. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Lou Ledford of the home; five children, Randy Ledford of the home, Tracie Tolbert and her husband, David of Newton, Valerie “Cricket” Dysart and her husband, Paul of Columbia, Missouri, Tim Ledford of the home; and Penny Wells and her husband, James of Marion; three brothers, Carl Ledford and his wife, Peggy, Wade Ledford and his wife, Nina and Richard Ledford; and one sister, Linda Lou Reed.  John was also survived by ten grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Montford Cove Baptist Church with Rev. Shawn Berryhill officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Ledford’s memory are asked to consider, Montford Cove Baptist Church, 4920 Cove Road, Union Mills, North Carolina 28167.