Weaver Ledford

Weaver Ledford FINES CREEK Mr. Weaver Earnest Ledford, 102, of Fines Creek, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2013, at Haywood Lodge. Mr. Ledford was born Jan. 21, 1911, in Haywood County, to the late Jasper Ledford and Hattie McElrath Ledford Arrington. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Opal Russell Ledford; a son, Earnest Junior Ledford; a daughter, Janette Rathbone; a great-grandson, Joshua Jron Ledford; brothers, Oliver, Robert, Julius, Grover; a sister, Iva; stepbrothers, Noble, Norman, Vaughn, Ratio, Dennis, Manson, Way, and Amos Arrington; stepsisters, Lizzie Lowe, Roxie Clark, Fannie Woody and Eva Gunter; and his stepfather, Robert Arrington. Mr. Ledford was a farmer, loved to fish and was an avid Braves baseball and Duke basketball fan. He was a Christian soldier and faithfully served his Lord and was a longtime member of Panther Creek Baptist Church. He was known to most as "Papaw" and if he ever met a stranger, they soon became his friend. Survivors include his daughter-in-law, Shelba Jean Ledford, of Conover; grandchildren, Rex A. Ledford and wife, Cynthia, of Hickory, Leesa L. Bolick and husband, James, of Claremont and Charles Rathbone and wife, Sharon, of Waynesville; great-grandchildren, Stephanie L. Ledford, Andrew A. Ledford, Aundrea S. Fleury and Tiffany S. Allison; great-great-grandchildren, Kiersten L. Fleury, Hayden S. Fleury, Dylan M. Allison and Katie M. Allison; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, at Panther Creek Baptist Church, where Mr. Ledford will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Fines Creek Memorial Baptist Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, June 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Panther Creek Baptist Church. Garrett Funerals and Cremations is assisting the family, www.garrett funeralsandcremations. com.