Transitioned from this life to eternal life on March 20, 2020. Howard Ledbetter was born on April 20, 1917 in Gardendale, Alabama to Oscar Lee and Augusta Armstrong Ledbetter. Although poor as a child, he grew to be rich in experiences and in the love of family and friends. One of the most common statements about Dad was that he was “larger than life.” He was quick with a joke and a story and eager to solve any physical problem he encountered. His sheer willfulness to blaze his own trail in life and to be his own person led him on many adventures, including a multi-year road trip in his 90s in a mini-RV that he purchased on a 20-year loan! In his 90’s, he decided to learn to play the piano and enjoyed learning to play his favorite hymns.
Somewhat easily bored, during his life he worked in many occupations. From farming, logging, dairyman, warehousing and distribution, moving and storage, receipts collections, machinist, railroad switchman and conductor, crane operator for a cement manufacturer, refrigeration mechanic, and operations manager for a garbage company, he enjoyed each of his adventures. In the 1950s-early 1960 he owned/operated a service station on 34th Street in Tampa, and a small long distance trucking business. Since 1976 he has owned and operated a Mercedes-Benz specialty repair shop and built a small mobile home park. Dad was an entrepreneur at heart.
He married Bessie Lee Guthrie in 1937 and they raised five sons. Their greatest joy later in life was taking their grandchildren (and daughter-in-laws!) on road trips in a big RV exploring the United States and into Canada and Mexico. He would always ask "Are we there yet?" To this we would all reply, "No, not yet." He and Mom were building family relationships and memories that would last a lifetime, as well as a spirit for searching out the unknown. His greatest joy was being surrounded with family.
Howard Ledbetter was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bessie Lee Ledbetter, son Marshall Robin Ledbetter and grandson, Marshall Ledbetter. He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly: David and Peggy Ledbetter, Ted and Kathleen Ledbetter, Michael and Beverly Ledbetter, and Loren and Dorothee Ledbetter. Grandchildren Christina (Terry) Waldorff, Carla (Richard) Savage, Arlen Ledbetter, Katrina (Asa) Lowrey, Rory (Ashley) Ledbetter, Nathan (Shannon) Ledbetter, Courtney (Wayne) Williams, Julia (Aubrey) Ledbetter, Diana Ledbetter, and Erik Ledbetter. Great grandchildren Rebekah (Mike) Wells, Rachel (Thomas) Goetz, and Gabriel, Abigail, Hannah, Gideon, Susanna, Elijah, Jeremiah Waldorff, Livia Ledbetter, and Robin and Wren Savage, Cameryn Williams, Ava Ledbetter, Liam Ledbetter, Penelope and Vivian Ledbetter.
“Are we there yet?” Marshall Howard Ledbetter finally made it “there.” "For his eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." And now you are with Him. And as Dad would always say: "And I love ya."
The family will have a celebration of his life later when circumstances allow it.
