Clay would give you the shirt off his back!  When I met him in seventh grade, I thought he was a strange fellow!  What a truly wonderful friend he was to me and my daughter.  I am sorry I lost touch with you for awhile.  I will miss you terribly!  Love always,

Silenced drum, but the memories of your music will play on in our memories forever.  Will always remember you practicing and carrying drum sticks everywhere you went and hearing your drum kit outside when we were young.  So sorry to the entire family for you loss.  My sincerest condolences.

To Gabby and Sydney...I just met your Daddy this past February when I traveled to Louisiana for my very first time with your uncle Stephen.  Your Mamma and Daddy made me feel right at home.  It was Mardi Gras time, full of all kinds of fun and festivities like I had never seen before!  Your Daddy was very busy with the drum corps and all of the parades, but he made time to help your Mamma prepare a wonderful cookout for all of us.  He was the "grill master", and he made his delicious baked beans, which he called "farter starters".  That was so cute...I had never heard them called that before! 
  We had a wonderful time, and I talked on the telephone with your Daddy several times before and after that trip.  He made me feel right at home...as though I had known him for years.  I am sad that visit was the only time I got to meet him.  But I am honored that I did get to meet him at all.  I saw that he was a man who loved your Mamma and you girls more than anything in the world and I could see that he loved life and knew how to enjoy every minute.  He gave this world two perfect, gorgeous, intelligent baby girls. What a beautiful legacy!

Aunt Sissy, Darlene, Deedee,

I am so sorry. I didn't know Clay had passed, or had cancer.  He was the nicest person. A handsome kid from the first time I met him.  I was 11 and in "all my years" had never seen a more handsome little boy.  I will never forget his cajun dressing, nor his giving Kyle the snake skin. Or his knocking on Ceasar's teeth to the horror of the big-rig driver.  He was a gentle soul.  Love to you all. Rita

My condolences to the family and all of the "family" of his beloved Drum Corps.  His laughter and wonderful outlook on life will leave many fond memories for you all to ease the pain.  I only just heard the news today and am very sorry that I was unable to attend his services.  Bernadette "Bunny" Thigpen Lopez

Paulett and Bill, I read about this in the paper. I am so sorry for your loss!
I have fond memories of Clay going places with Paulett and I when we were teenagers, such as Fasullo's, the movies, and the trampoline place. He will really be missed, but I'm sure he is
enjoying playing his drums in the heavenly band. Bill and I will be praying for you and your family.
Your friend always, Pam Wiltz

It was so sad to hear of Clay's death.  I hadn't seen him in such a long time, but it's clear that he spent his life doing what he loved, surrounded by people who cared about him and who will carry fond memories of him.  We all should be so fortunate.

Cheryl, I am so sorry for your loss, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love, Lorie

As I think back at my times at Shaw High School, the fondest memories I have are of Clay and the drum line. His patience and ability to teach percussion left an indelible mark on me. To this day whenever I hear a drum solo or cadence I get a smile in my heart. His influence and memory will ever live on. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Clay, your passion for music influenced so many people including me.  I'll always remember what you did for me back in 87.  One lone inexperienced drummer learning from a seasoned instructor.  You gave me the tools and foundation to become a drummer, and for that I am forever grateful.

Clay, you were a good friend and lived Drum & Bugle Corps. We had good times in the Bleu Raeders Drum & Bugle Corps! You shared your drumming knowledge freely and never got too serious. You were an incredible drummer. I'll miss you!!

Clay was my percussion instructor back in 1988 when I marched in Expressions D&B Corps.  He was a fountain of DCI history and was one of the earliest people that formed my playing technique.  I ended up going to college on a music scholarship.  There is no doubt that Clay influenced my direction in life.

I am so sorry for your loss, Cheryl, my prayers go out to you and your family.

I'll never forget you Bro! You will always be remembered as an awesome dude .Always friendly and always loyal:that was Clay Ledbetter as I knew him while we had the good fortune of his strong work ethic at National Tape. I especially dug listening to him talk about our most common interest,music.
Keep That Line Rolling! God bless you and your family. Peace and Love to you my friend.

Cheryl, 
 Sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

So many fond memories of my dear old friend Clay. Every morning driving me to high school, listening to the drum music as loud as he could play. So sorry to hear this news. Prayers go out to his family.

So sorry to for your loss, sending prayers to you and your family.

Robert and Diana Hood

Ms. Mary, family and friends....I got to meet Clay just once and I enjoyed speaking with him about his teaching and the drum corps. Know that he is heaven with the angels getting ready to teach them a new drum beat. May you find peace and comfort through this difficult time. God Bless you all and my prayers are with you.
Cathy Breaux-Smith

Only remember meeting my cousin Clay once.... but he  will be truly missed by all of his friends and beautiful family I'm sure. My condolences and prayers be with you all.   Cousin (Squeaky) Terry Elver...

Clay has always been a permanent and fond memory of our time together in the Bleu Raiders. He was the most fantastic drummer. May you be able to express our love for Clay and the wonderful memories we have of him to your children.

To the Ledbetter Family,  so sorry for your loss.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Wendi and Ronnie Quick

As I type this, I can almost hear Clay "singing" one of our percussion solos from the Archbishop Shaw drumline so many years ago.  His enthusiasm inspired the rest of us to have fun making music.  I've seen him a couple times the last few years along the Metarie parade route... still talking drums.  Best wishes to his family.  If at all possible, find comfort in knowing that Clay left a lasting impression on many lives over the years & he won't be forgotten.

Our dear freind has quickly departed before we were ready to see him leave. Layne and I ask God to give you Ceryl and your beautiful family a peaceful and memorable journey though life with Clay in your hearts... He will always be in ours...

there is a memory of claton as my friend in my mind forever i can see claton and mark together in my memory forever he will be missed forever by the sutton family ruiz family and louque family our deepest condolences   missing you.

Thoughts & prayers for your family.  Rest I peace Clay.
Jess & Ann Ketchum
Maggie Valley, NC

Clay, 
I'll always remember your patience, skill, teaching and comradery as my instructor at Shaw.   One of my best teachers.   I had so much respect for you, even though you were like "one of us".   Good times, good memories.     Keep playing those drums in heaven, brother......you are missed.   

Scott Vanderbrook

Scott Vanderbrook

Clay was so unique and likeable.  I'll always remember his smile and carefree attitude which I often envied. My deepest sympathy to his family.

John Corb
Archbishop Shaw

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Clay - you have been everything from roadie in the band days to moving guy and house painter.  Anything you could offer for your friends you have.  You will always be more than a friend - you are family.  We will always keep you in our hearts.

Cheryl - you, Gabby and Sidney have our love and prayers.

Clay you will be missed greatly.
Cheryl, you and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers.

It will be the little things
that you will remember,
the quiet moments,
the smiles, the laughter.
And although it may seem 
hard right now,
it will be the memories
of these little things
that help to push 
away the pain 
and bring the smiles
back again.

CLAY YOU MARCHED TO THE BEAT OF YOUR OWN DRUM. YOU WILL BE MISSED AS A MAJOR PART OF MY FAMILY.  MY LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. ANTHONY MENDOZA, JR.

Cheryl I am so sorry for your loss. Clay was a very nice person who loved you, your children and music so much. He's probably in heaven signing up for a new drum corps! My prayers are with you and your family.

Melody

There now exist a vacant spot that only Clay would fill. We will live on the memories of our years together and rest assured that Clay is in a much better place. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family .
Robert & Elaine Waguespack 
(Thibodaux)

So very sorry to lose my cousin Clay. We are the same age and it seems too young to leave this earth. lots of love to the family.

21 MAY 2012:  Received a phone call at my home in Virginia tonight from Tim Lofaso informing me of the passing of our friend and fellow snare drummer Clay Ledbetter.  Hard to believe.  Didn't know Clay had been ill.  Life is so precious and so very short.  My condolences to the family during this most difficult time.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  When I think of Clay, I will always look back fondly on the very good times I had in the Southernaires snare line.  Clay taught me about professionalism, dedication, and excellence and the pride that came with being a member of the corps.  These are lessons I have never forgotten.

Anthony E. Cicala
Chief, Acquisiton Policy
Defense Intelligence Agency
1982 Southernaires Drum and Bugle Corps - Snare Line
aka "The Devil"

OBITUARY

Clayton Clay Arnold Ledbetter Jr.

September 11, 1962 – May 20, 2012

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services