Jack Andrew Ledford, 79, originally of Morganton, NC passed away peacefully at his home in Pittsboro, NC on Sunday, September 27, 2026, while surrounded and held by his family.
He was born in Lincoln County, NC on February 20, 1947, and was the son of the late Charlie Floyd Ledford and Lucy Smith Ledford.
Jack was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend who loved his family, community, friends and pets. He enjoyed music, the beach, woodworking, collecting coins, working hard, helping others, and causing his friends and family to laugh. He had the most inspiring smile and laugh. Jack was a graduate of Salem High School and immediately enlisted in the US Marine Corps after graduation. After two tours in Vietnam, Jack began working at Western Youth Institution in Morganton and retired as a guard.
He is leaving behind to cherish his memory, his daughter, Bonnie L. Strowd (Mike) of Pittsboro, NC; daughter-in-law, Shanda Cox of Hickory, NC; grandchildren, Faith Dennis (Patrick) of Winston Salem, NC, Olivia Strowd (Jordan) of Wake Forest, NC, Drew Cox (Latoya) of Virginia, and Ciara Cox (Jonathan Stidham) of Morganton; great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Charlotte and Miller Dennis of Winston Salem, NC, Ahkeem, Ahkira, Julius, Carter of Virginia, and Rahelyn and Greyson of Morganton; brothers, Charles Joel Ledford (Susan) and Mackie Dale Ledford (Donna) all of Morganton, NC; nephew, Travis Ledford (Stacy) of Morganton, nieces, Abbie Williams (Andrews) of Morganton, Mary Webb (Vince), and Samantha Ledford of Virginia; and numerous great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his late ex-wife, Nancy Steele Ledford Benfield, his son, Charles Walter “Chuck” Ledford and parents, Charlie and Lucy Ledford.
The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m, Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Burkemont Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. in the church with Rev. Dr. Eddy Bunton and Rev. Dr. Luke Lane officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with honors provided by US Marine Corps, Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard, and the NC Department of Corrections Honor Guard.
Floral donations are welcome. Otherwise, memorial contributions may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church, 4668, Burkemont Road, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Jack you were always such a great friend to Steve and me when we first came to Burkemont. Steve has always told funny stories of you and him traveling together. You will be greatly missed friend. You have had a great homecoming and are in arms of our Lord and Savior as Chuck and your dad and sweet Miss Lucy were waiting for you. We will meet again. Beach Boys forever! 🥰