SYLVA - An old man without enemies, Raymond Ledford, died after a brief illness at the age of 87, on Jan. 18, 2023, with his family by his side.
Raymond was my friend for more than 60 years. A more loyal and loved friend, no one has ever had. It was impossible to dislike Raymond, and no one that I am aware of ever did. He simply was impossible to dislike. He had traits that endeared him to everyone who knew him. How can you not like someone who never says any bad thing about anyone, who is totally bereft of jealousy, who is a patient listener and appreciator of one’s comments? Raymond didn’t talk much, but he listened carefully to others and gave the impression, at least, that he understood and appreciated what they said.
For years, Raymond, another buddy, Gene, and I would journey by car to a town near Sylva, namely, Franklin, Waynesville or Bryson City, for lunch. We rotated the cars we took, but I always drove since I was the most reliable driver. (At least I thought I was.) Gene sat in front, Raymond, the modest one, always sat in the back seat, saying little, but chuckling now and then from what he overheard of the conversation of Gene and Gurney in the front seat.
The three of us, I recall, often spoke of death, since all three of us were getting along in years. Each of us bet that he would be the last to die, realizing, of course, that the winner would never be able to collect on the bet. Well, obviously, of the three, I am still alive, and Raymond’s family called me shortly after their father’s death, reminding me of the bet, and said, “You won!”
I had written Gene’s obituary shortly after his death some time ago; and now this is my friend, Raymond’s. Neither of the friends is/was around to object to what I write, which is liberating, so I can tell the truth about each of my dear friends without their objecting.
Raymond and I first met as freshmen at Western Carolina University. We both had the same major and, consequently, had a class in shorthand together. I liked Raymond immediately. (As I said, everyone loved Raymond.) Raymond was already married to his high school sweetheart, Barbara, so he commuted to class while I lived on campus, resulting in our not seeing much of each other while we were students. However, Raymond accepted an invitation to work at his alma mater several years after his graduation.
Try then or try now and you won’t find any person, student, fellow worker, or acquaintance who doesn’t love Raymond Ledford. He was that kind of man, fellow worker, teacher, administrator or friend. Can anyone ever hope to leave a better legacy or memory?
Raymond was married to Barbara Mann Ledford for almost 61 years before she passed at age 79 in 2015. They shared three children; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is survived by his second wife, Paula McElroy Ledford; daughters, Holly Ginn (Jeff) and Gretchen Fincher (Ken); and son, Ray Ledford Jr. (Alison).
He worked at WCU teaching and mentoring students for over 30 years.
Family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Feb. 18 at Webster United Methodist Church in Webster. Appalachian Funeral Services is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, Raymond’s family, following his wishes, has asked that those who wish to remember Raymond consider sending a contribution to the General Scholarship fund at Raymond’s former employer and beloved alma mater: Division of Advancement, WCU, 1 University Drive, 201 H.F. Robinson Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723. For online giving the link is: givecampus.com/campaigns/13332/donations/new.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gurney Chambers for writing this obituary.