Robert Gene Ledford

Robert Gene Ledford, 86, of Rock Hill, SC, passed away on October 20, 2025 at his home. Born September 19, 1939 in Grover, NC, he was the son of the late Belve Bishop Ledford and Vera Louise Goforth Ledford. In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Frances Sue Allen Ledford, and by siblings Vera Ann Ellis, Bobby Dean Ledford, Jerry Leon Ledford, and Kathy Dover.

Gene retired after spending his career as a machinist, including time spent at The Bleachery in Rock Hill. A strong swimmer and athlete, he could often be found on the lake water-skiing, and when the weather turned cold, he headed for the mountains to snow-ski. Gene was a longtime softball player and coach, enjoying the game with his wife, Frances. They were both fierce Atlanta Braves fans. He was an avid NASCAR fan, watching each Sunday and always rooting for the Fords. Gene and his brothers loved attending races when they could, and he missed only two races at Charlotte Motor Speedway from its inaugural race on. He spent as much time as he could taking his loved ones camping in his trusty pop-up. Gene also got a kick out of terrorizing his younger loved ones with old horror movies on VHS.

The oldest of nine siblings, Gene assumed the responsibility of father figure and stepped up early as the man of the house. He was a dedicated family man, both as a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 61 years, and as a loving, caring uncle.

Gene is survived by his siblings, Bill Ledford (Linda) of Gaffney, SC, Betty Ruff of Shelby, NC, Johnny Ledford (Kathie) of Grover, NC, and Jimmy Ledford (Margaret) of Grover, NC, niece Tammy Allen Chewning (Tom) of Thomson, GA, nephew Chris Allen (Janie) of Blacksburg, SC, and great-nieces Heather Rodgers (Dudley) of Thomson, GA, and Holly Milburn (Matt) of Dearing, GA. Gene is also survived by numerous other loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, October 24, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Ralph Painter officiating in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel

VISITATION: Friday, October 24, 2025, prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:50 A.M. in the Parlor of Harris Funeral Home

INTERMENT: Grover Cemetery, Grover, North Carolina

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM

ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA