Johnny Ledale Wadford

Johnny Ledale Wadford

February 20, 1946 – August 10, 2025

Johnny Ledale Wadford, 79, passed peacefully in Jackson MS on August 10, 2025. Mr. Wadford was born on February 20, 1946, to William and Emma Wadford of Canton, MS.  Visitation will be 11am - 1:10pm Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS.  Services will start at 1:30pm in the Chapel of the funeral home, with burial in Rehobeth Baptist Cemetery in Pelahatchie, MS. 

Mr. Wadford was blessed to share 53 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, LaRue Wadford. Together, they built a life and raised a family, first in Canton, MS, before settling in Brandon, MS.

In his younger years, Mr. Wadford found joy in the outdoors—fishing, hunting, and raising cows and horses. He dedicated much of his life to the HVAC industry, working with Ball Mechanical and Martin Mechanical before finishing his career as a maintenance supervisor for the State of Mississippi.

Though he cherished many things in life, his greatest joy came in 2010 with the birth of his beloved granddaughter, Brooklyn. To her, he was not just a grandfather, but a constant source of unconditional love—always saying “yes” and “whatever you want to do,” never a “no”.

Mr. Wadford is survived by his devoted wife, LaRue Wadford; his son, Brian Wadford (Christy) of Brandon, MS; his daughter, Casey Wyatt (Mark) of Brandon, MS; and his cherished granddaughter, Brooklyn Wyatt. He is also survived by his brother, Billy Wadford of Canton, MS, in-laws Glen and Dyann Stevens of Kansas City, MO, Cheryl Stevens of Brandon, MS, Lucius Waldrup of Canton, MS, and Lois Wadford of Canton, MS.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Lonnie Wadford, and his mother, Emma Wiltcher Wadford; six brothers—C.L. Wadford, Glenwood Wadford, Jr. Wadford, Tillman Wadford, James Wadford, and Charles Wadford; and three sisters—Ruby Turner, Mary Waldrup, and Janie Burns; brother-in-law - Louis Stevens.