James Edward Ledford

Hickory – James Edward Ledford, 91 of Hickory, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at Trinity Village.

Born on January 27, 1930 in Cleveland County, James was the son of the late Enoch and Matilda “Mattie” Alice Sweezy Ledford. James was a born-again child of God, who witnessed to the lost and was a deacon in the Baptist church. James’ farewell message to the world: Romans 10:9, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Inez Hessemyer, Velma Wilson, Annie Ruth Downs; 3 brothers, Buren Ledford, Everette Ledford and Roy Ledford; a son-in-law, Larry W. Gause; 2 grandchildren, Amber Slaughter and Charlie Drummond.

Survivors include, his wife of 72 years, Selma Ledford; a son, Jonathan Ledford of Buford, GA; 4 daughters, Linda Riner of Lexington, NC, Jean Gause of Casar, NC, Teresa Hensley of Icard, NC and husband Dennis, Mary Hartsoe of Hickory, NC and husband, David; 7 grandchildren, James Ledford and wife Kelli, Scott Brigman, Jeffrey Brigman and wife April, Michelle Gore, Joshua Gause, Gina Horton, Julie Bogen and Christopher Slaughter and wife, Michelle; 20 great grandchildren, Davis, Kiley, Ian, Liam, Kiera, Elijah, Caleb, Jessica, Charlie, Mackynzie, Brittany, Brandon, Drew and wife Destiny, Toryn, Ethan, Jackson, Sadie, Aaron and wife Diamond, Israel and Summer; 8 great-great grandchildren, Molly, Kira, Axel, Drew, Kamron, Zadie, Emerson and Alias.

A private, relatives only, Celebration of Life service will be held on February 4, 2021 in the chapel at Catawba Funeral Home at 1:00 pm with Pastor Scott Hooks officiating.

The burial will follow the service at Catawba Memorial Park and will be open to everyone.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideon International at 433 North Main Ave, Newton, NC 28658.

Cards and letters can be sent to Selma Ledford at Trinity Village at 1265 21st St NE, Hickory, NC 28601.

Condolences mat be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.

The Ledford family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.