Larry Burton Ledbetter was born October 12, 1931 in the beautiful Smokey Mountains of Franklin, North Carolina to Lawrence and Pearl Ledbetter. He was the oldest of 6 children. At the age of 17, Larry enlisted in the United States Air Force, and served his country proudly from 1948 to 1971. He retired as a Lt. Colonel, and was affectionally known to everyone as "Colonel". Larry attended Boise State College in Boise, Idaho, and Louisiana Tech University. Larry served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was a radar navigator/bombardier on RB-57's, B-47's and B-52's in the Strategic Air Command. His crew was chosen to compete in the Royal Air Force World Bombing Competition and won 1st place.
While serving in Korea, his sister Jane had her friends write letters to Larry in Korea. He fell in love with one of them, Trellis Trotter, and married her upon his return to the states. Larry and Trellis had 3 children, Marcy, Larry Jr. (Bud), and Ginger.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Pearl Ledbetter; his wife, Trellis Trotter; his son, Larry Jr.; sisters, Jane Brookshire and Geneva Stanfield; brother, Max Ledbetter; nephews, Douglas Brookshire and Robert Ledbetter.
He is survived by: his wife Frances Schroll Ledbetter; daughters, Marcy Boyce (Richard) and Ginger French (Rocky); grandchildren, Chris McHalffey, Ryan French (Jennifer), Samuel Broadway, Chad French, Sara Greenville; step-grandson, Tommy Boyce; great-grandchildren, Corben French (Ramsha), Chloe French, Jordin Broadway, Morgan Greenville, Connor French, Caleb French, Joshua French and Vanessa French; and great-great granddaughter, Laila French; his brother, Charles Ledbetter (Margaret); and sister, Kathy Hurst (Andy). In addition, he is survived by nephews Dale Brookshire (Eileen), David Brookshire, Michael Stanfield (Teresa), Stephen Ledbetter (Diana), Andy Hurst, Adam Hurst, and numerous great nieces and nephew.
Larry made the Air Force his career, and loved traveling the world serving his country. He and his family explored, camped, and traveled to every state near them. According to his daughters, it was a wonderful life. Larry was transferred to Barksdale AFB in 1966, and he and his family settled in Haughton.
Larry retired from the Air Force in 1971, with honor and dignity for a job well done, and was the recipient of numerous medals and awards.
Larry was a 33 1/3rd degree Master Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Overton Brooks High Twelve Club, and past Grand-Commander of the Knights Templar of the State of Louisiana.
