Jimmy T. Ledford

Jimmy Thadus Ledford, 85 of Charlotte, NC was surrounded by family as he passed peacefully at home on September 11, 2023. He is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ following a 3 ½ year battle with esophageal cancer. He was a true warrior, fighting a courageous battle.

Jimmy was born in Swain County in the town of Needmore, NC and spent his early years in the mountains. He moved to Charlotte, NC at the age of 13 and graduated from West Mecklenburg High School. He spent 6 years proudly serving his country in the US Army where he earned military marksmanship badges and many accolades for being the best dressed sporting military pleated shirts he ironed himself to perfection.

On a blind date, Jimmy met the love of his life, Rose Earlene Ledford and they married in 1962. He spent 28 years working for General Tire and retired in 1998. Jimmy and Earlene retreated to Holden Beach and spent 13 wonderful summers there fishing on the pier where they met many cherished friends. He was known for catching huge sharks wrestling them to the beach, tagging and releasing them. He never met a stranger, especially on the pier. Without being asked, he would go out of his way to help someone. He genuinely cared about others and their families. Jimmy was a Christian man and served as Deacon for a number of years at Landmark Baptist Church.

Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Rose Earlene Ledford; son, David (Sonya) of Sherrills Ford NC, and grandson, Landon Chase Ledford. He also leaves behind one sister, Shirley Freeman (Don) of Harrisburg; a nephew, Tim (Beverly) Freeman and niece, Rhonda Klassette.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle Simmons Helms and Wylie Ledford; one sister, Grace Marie Klassette (Phil); two brothers, Wayne Ledford and Walter Ledford and two nephews, Jim Ledford and Donald Klassette.

The family would like to thank Dr. Justin Favaro and the staff of Oncology Specialists of Charlotte as well as Hospice VIA Health Partners for their care, love and support.

A funeral service honoring his life will be held at Forest Lawn West Funeral & Cremation Service, 4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte NC, 28208 on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 1:00 p.m, Reverend L. J. Mills officiating. The family will receive friends at 12:00 p.m., one hour before the service begins. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Rd, Mint Hill, NC, 28227. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnwest.com for the Ledford family.