Robert Edward Ledford Jr.

LEDFORD, Robert E. Jr., 69, of Richmond, passed away from Multiple System Atrophy (Shy-Drager) on September 2, 2010. "Bob" was born on August 26, 1941, in Petersburg, Va., and was predeceased by his parents, Robert E. Sr. and Hazel W. Ledford. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, Joye Gadker Ledford; his faithful daughter and devoted son-in-law, Angie L. and Samuel R. Hutchison; and loving grandchildren, Tyler and Molly Hutchison; son, Robert E. Ledford III; special daughter-in-law, Barbara Hiestand Ledford; and loving grandchildren, Carter, Kyle and Kaitlyn Ledford; sisters, Anne L. Frick (Gary) and Katherine L. Holladay (John); brother, William W. Ledford (Alice C.); and several nieces and nephews. He leaves a legacy of vital faith in Jesus Christ and an abundant everlasting love for his wife and family.

He was known for his creativity in all areas, especially regarding corporate interior design, his many and varied artistic talents, musical abilities and community service. He held a degree in Commercial Art from Virginia Commonwealth University (RPI). He had an overall career in bank design spanning 42 years. A former partner with American Furniture and Fixture Co., he later formed his own interior design firm, Robert Ledford Assoc. Inc., which he closed after 25 successful years on December 31, 2009. He was a Certified Interior Designer and a Professional Member of the American Society of Interior Designers. Bob specialized in the concept, design and construction of community banks throughout Virginia. He was a longtime member of the Virginia Association of Community Banks and the Virginia Bankers Association. He was a former board member and past president of the Richmond Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow). He served as chairman of the Better Business Bureau. He was an ordained elder and clerk of the Session at St. Giles Presbyterian Church and most recently a member of Third Presbyterian Church. He and his wife established endowed scholarships at VCU, University of Richmond and James Madison University.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 8 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 9 at 11 a.m., at Westhampton Memorial Park, 10000 Patterson Avenue. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 10 at 2 p.m., at Third Presbyterian Church, 600 Forest Ave. Donations may be made to The Faison School for Autism in honor of his grandson, Carter Joseph Ledford. Condolences may be offered at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com