John David Ledbetter

John David Ledbetter, age 71, of Shelbyville, TN, passed from this life on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
Born on February 2, 1954, in Shelbyville, he was the son of the late John T. Ledbetter, Jr. and Carolyn Veteto Ledbetter.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Kathey Martin Ledbetter; his sons, Matt (Allison) Ledbetter and John William Ledbetter, both of Shelbyville; and his beloved granddaughters: Jade Goins, Jana Ledbetter (Bailey Duke), Whitney Ledbetter, Brooke Ledbetter, and Lainey Ledbetter. He also leaves behind his great-granddaughter, Mabry Duke.
He is also survived by his siblings: Becky (Walter) Nichols, Marilyn Anderton, and Camille (Joe) Bell; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Debra and Mike Jackson; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his siblings, Elaine Pinkston (Marvin) and Daryl Ledbetter.
A 1972 graduate of Shelbyville Central High School, John went on to attend Middle Tennessee State University. He served his country in the Tennessee National Guard and worked for over 21 years as an outside machinist at Arnold Engineering Development Complex.
John was a lifelong cattle farmer, fortunate to work land that had been passed down through six generations, each with a deep love for agriculture. After retirement, he fully devoted himself to continuing that passion. In addition to farming, he enjoyed fishing, attending The Celebration, and, in his younger years, riding quarter horses as a former member of the Flat Creek Saddle Club. Above all, John cherished the moments spent around the table with his grandchildren.
He was active in the community, serving as a director with the Farm Bureau and volunteering with the Bedford County Fair. He was a member of Southside Church of Christ.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2025, in the chapel of Doak-Howell Funeral Home with Tim Gunnells officiating. Visitation with the family will be held prior to service beginning at 12:00 noon at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Southside Church of Christ Summer Missions Fund (by mail: 108 Narrows Rd. Shelbyville, TN 37160).
Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.
www.doakhowellfuneralhome.com