William Ledford Obituary

William (Bill) Orlanda Ledford July 13, 1950- July 7, 2024

William (Bill) Orlanda Ledford, age 73, went home to be with the Lord on July 7th, 2024, in the comfort of his home surrounded by the love of his family.

Bill was born in Erwin, TN on July 13, 1950, and raised by his dear great-granny.

Bill's greatest joy and pride was his family. After winning her a stuffed snake at the Appalachian fair in 1965, Bill won the heart of his best friend, Kay. From that day forward, the two were inseparable. Bill and Kay were married for 52 years and shared a love that only grew deeper and stronger with time. Their greatest loves were their sons Scottie and Jeffery, who they were endlessly proud of, along with their daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

Bill grew up on dirt floors, rarely having two pennies to rub together. He watched his great-grandmother work tirelessly to provide for them, and he mimicked that work ethic from a very young age. He instilled these same values in his sons as he encouraged them in their personal and professional pursuits. Bill's hard work and determined attitude changed the course of his family for generations to come.

Bill was intelligent, innovative, and self-taught. His mind was an intricate place where he could take things apart and put them back together without ever laying a hand on them. Through the years he tinkered with cars, designed and built sheds, redesigned electrical wiring, drew beautiful pictures, and built and repaired computers. He loved to learn and each of these hobbies kept him busy and happy throughout his life.

Bill found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He and his motorcycle gang spent years riding the open roads, taking in the views and roadside diners along the way. Double dates with their friends Jim and Carmen were a regular adventure. But nothing was better to him than spending time with his sweetheart, enjoying their morning coffee together or watching their favorite TV shows at night.

In his final days, Bill shared the peace he had in knowing the Lord as his Savior, and his joyful anticipation of being reunited with his "pretty girl."

Bill is preceded in death by the love of his life, Kay; beloved great-granny, Lizzie Linville; mother, Claudine; and uncles Paul, Harry, and Jack. He is survived by his two sons Scott (Tracie) and Jeff (Jenn); four grandchildren Lauren, Drew, Addison, and Noah; siblings Jeannie, Robert, David, and Deloris.

Bill requested that a special thanks be extended to the staff at the Ballad Health Cancer Center in Johnson City where he received excellent and compassionate care.

A service to honor Bill's life will be held at Valley Funeral Home (1085 North Main Avenue, Erwin, TN 37650) on July 11, 2024 at 6:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating blood in Bill's memory, as his life was extended thanks to the generous donations of many. Memorial contributions are also suggested to River of Life Church, where Bill and Kay attended faithfully for many years, or to the International Foundation for CDKL5 Research Foundation, in honor of his grandson Noah.

River of Life Church: 819 Austin Springs Road, Piney Flats, TN 37686

International Foundation for CDKL5 Research: P.O. Box 926 Wadsworth, OH 44282

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www. valleyfuneralhome.net or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of William "Landa" Ledford through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N Main Ave., Erwin, TN. 37650. (423) 743-9187