Derek Alan Ledford
May 21, 1933 ~ December 29, 2019
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailDerek Alan Ledford of Asheville, NC passed away Sunday, December 29, 2019 at the VA hospice center after a period of declining health.
Derek was born in Asheville, NC May 21, 1933 to the late Aud and Alma Rodgers Ledford. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth and John.
Derek, known as “D.A.” to many, is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martha Ledford; his three sons and their wives, David and Cindi, Greg and Karen, and Andy and Lesley; his four grandchildren, Eli, Lauren, Jack, and Darby; his brother Phil; his niece and many nephews.
A lifelong native of Asheville, Derek attended Biltmore High School where he played baseball and football. He was a veteran of the US Army Signal Corps, stationed at Ft Hood, TX. and he was retired from Western Electric/AT&T, as a telephone equipment installer.
Derek was a member of Emma United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. He was also an avid golfer, fisherman, and gardener.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 3rd, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with Reverend Mary Cash officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Emma United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 6921, Asheville, NC 28806.
Services
Memorial Service: January 3, 2020 11:00 am
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Visitation: January 3, 2020 10:00 am - March 29, 2026 11:00 am
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Martha and Family, I am so sorry to about Derek. It’s so hard to believe that most of the friends from the old neighborhood have passed on to be with our Heavenly Father. I an sure there is a great reunion going on in heaven. Derek was a good man that loved his family and God. May God give each of you peace and grace during this time of grief.
Our forever friend “DA” stamped his footprints on our hearts. He will never be further than a memory away.
Love and prayers for Martha and the family as you walk through this valley of grief
Martha and David Bass
We are blessed to have met Derek and Martha Ledford, grateful for sweet memories my twin Martha and her husband, David, have shared with us. The Ledfords will be in our thoughts and prayers as you take this strange journey of grief — grateful that Derek is no longer suffering but wondering how you will go on here without him. Ron and Margaret Lackey
Dear Martha and family,
I’m very sorry to hear of DA’s passing. I worked with him for 30 plus years with Western Electric/AT&T.
There was no better person to work with in all this world, be friends with was a blessing for sure. DA never
met a stranger and would help anyone he could.
He will be missed by all. God Bless him and his family.
Charlie Edwards
Hubert Holcombe & Diane Harrison
Peace and Love to all the family.
Im so sorry to hear about Derek. My prayers are with Martha.
Sorry to hear about Derek and for your loss. Growing up on Le-and-Hurst rd there was always a Ledford or a Lanning close by. Fondly remember walking from the school bus and passing Aud and Alma’s house. Aud always spoke to me and had something new in his greenhouse to show me. Alma was my aunt Mable’s sister. Again, sorry for your loss.
Uncle Derek was one of a kind. I will never forget how he would come out and chat with all of us when we were kids. Chipping golf balls in the yard and up into the garden was the norm as we would chase them to do it all over again. He was a kind gentleman and I will miss him dearly. I love you Uncle Derek!
Dear, Martha, Nancy and I were so sorry to hear about Derek passing. I know he is in a better place. I know we don’t keep in touch very much but please know you are in our prayers and thoughts – still in Asheville. We have such fond memories of summers with you and Derek. Nancy has moved in with me back here in Yorktown, VA.
Again may God give you the comfort you need to get through this difficult time, Joyce..
Dear Martha and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May your loving memories of Derek help you through your grief.