Lavoy Ledford

Death is not extinguishing the light. It is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come. 

R. Tagore                                                                                                                                   

Known for his benevolent and tenacious attitude, love of getting his hands in the dirt and his family farm, Lavoy Ledford moved peacefully on to his next chapter on Friday, March 1, 2024.  

He was born in Lewisburg, TN, raised on his beloved family in farm in Mooresville, and educated at The University of Tennessee and The Ohio State University.  He taught at The Ohio State University and Otterbein College, was head of the Fertilizer Department at Tennessee Farmers Coop in Lavergne, worked retail sales at Marshall Farmers Coop until he retired to the job he always wanted – Farmer. He spent many happy years using his chainsaw, burning brush, moving rocks and wood around and chasing cows and his wife’s sheep (the sheep reluctantly).  He was forced into being a backup beekeeper but was never much help except for the consuming of the honey.

He was known for his sense of dry humor, gardening and farming knowledge, pie making, old red & dented pickup trucks, and love for his family.  After moving to the Heritage retirement community, he was a popular fixture in the garden, weeding any plot that needed it and dispensing advice to other gardeners.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jamie Clayton Ledford; daughters, Karin Graser and Molly Ledford; grandson, Matthew Anthony Graser; bonus grandchildren, Slade and Chloe Johnson; brother, John S. Ledford; sister-in-law, Janine Clayton (Rick Alexander); mother-in-law, Marge Clayton.

He was predeceased by his parents Selwin and Katherine Ledford and his father-in-law, Paul Clayton.

Visitation will be held 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Saturday March 9, 2023 at Bills, McGaugh & Hamilton Funeral Home, Lewisburg, Tennessee.  Casual dress would be appreciated by Lavoy. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to be made in Lavoy’s memory to: Petersons for Parkinsons (3825 Bedford Ave Suite 101, Nashville, Tennessee 37215) or The Tennessee 4H Foundation (205 Morgan Hall, 2621 Morgan Circle, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996).  

BILLS MCGAUGH & HAMILTON FUNERAL HOME 755 Yell Road Lewisburg, Tennessee 37091. 931-359-2521