Dennis M. Ledford

Charlotte – Dennis M. Ledford, age 85, of Charlotte, NC, died at Mecklenburg Health Care Center, July 22, 2012. Dennis was born May 13, 1927, in Shelby, NC to James Oliver and Thelma Brannon Ledford. He moved to Pelzer, SC, at a young age.

Dennis graduated from Pelzer High School in Pelzer, SC, and was a graduate of Kings Business College in Greenville, SC.

He served in the US Navy in 1945 and was aboard the USS Indiana in 1946. After an honorable discharge, he earned a degree in Business Management from Anderson College.

Dennis worked in Motor Freight Transportation as a Terminal Manager in Augusta, GA. He was later promoted to sales and relocated to Charlotte, NC, in 1952.

Dennis was a Charter member of the Mecklenburg Jaycees and earned a lifetime honorary membership. He served as President of the National Judges Association for Miss America Preliminary Pageants and judged many local beauty pageants. He became involved with the St. Andrews Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite and Oasis Shrine, of which he held an honorary lifetime membership. He was a member of the Oasis Shrine Patrol. His wish was to name his Patrol family as Honorary Pallbearers. He served as Vice President of the Carolinas Carousel and Chairman of the Carolina Carousel Pageant. He served as District Chairman of the Mecklenburg area Boy Scouts of America. In his earlier years, many enjoyed him as a dance instructor at Arthur Murray Dance studios.

Dennis is survived by his longtime friend and love, his wife Bernice Wallace, married in 1952; two wonderful sons, Mike Ledford (Ginger) and Mark Ledford (Karen); plus four amazing grandchildren Brian, Erica, Greyson and Camden Ledford.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents James Oliver and Thelma Brannon Ledford, his sister Merle Dean Moody (Dennis) and brother, Bernard Ledford.

The Ledford family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Hall and the staff at of Mecklenburg Health Care Center for their excellent care and compassion.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 27, 2012. Visitation will be at 1:00 pm, the service will begin at 2:00 pm at McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC. Pastor John H. Stanley, Imperial Chaplain, Oasis Shriners, will officiate.

Graveside service with Military Honors will be immediately following at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Oasis Shrine Patrol for Shriners Hospital for Children, c/o Oasis Shrine Center, 604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC 28262.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.