John Ledford

EASLEY, SC - John Robert "Bob" Ledford, 86, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025.
Bob was born Oct. 3, 1938, to Fred and Bonnie Mae Ledford. After graduating valedictorian from Swain County High School, Bob proudly served in the United States Army as a Combat Engineer where operating heavy equipment was his specialty, specifically the bulldozer.
On April 17, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Alice Nations, who he was married to for 67 years and who was tirelessly by his side during his illness. Among his duty stations were Camp Wolters in Mineral Wells, Texas; Camp Bullis in San Antonio, Texas; and Fort Benning in Georgia. He was also stationed in South Korea where he rebuilt roads and taught the local people how to operate machinery.
After his honorable discharge from military service, Bob studied at Western Carolina University and NC State University where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation, Bob secured employment with American Enka in Central, South Carolina where he was a facilities manager for 33 years.
He loved road trips and Sunday afternoon rides. Bob also enjoyed playing and listening to bluegrass music. His instrument of choice was the five string banjo. Bob's most favorite hobby was being a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was known to his family simply as "Papa". Papa always told us that, "You can buy a lot of things, but you can't buy your family." Family was EVERYTHING to Papa.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Ledford; daughters, Lana (Parrish) Cannon and Stacey (Jason) Wigington; grandchildren, Jacob (Alicia) Cannon, Anna Maeve (Wyatt) Moore, John Thomas Wigington, Isaiah Wigington and Presley Wigington; great-grandchildren, Lilly Cannon, Aubrey Moore and Jameson Moore; and sister, Freda (John) Livingston.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Larry Ledford.
Visitation was held Thursday, Sept. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Easley Church of God in Easley, South Carolina. Funeral service was held Friday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m., at Easley Church of God with the burial following at the Mason Branch Cemetery in Bryson City.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the SC Church of God Home for Children. Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory Downtown, Easley, South Carolina.