Howard Lee Ledbetter

Howard Lee Ledbetter, 86, of Candler, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 20, 2023.

He was a native of Fairview, NC, and a lifelong resident of Buncombe County. He was a member of Lake Hills Church in Candler. He was one of 10 children born to the late William G. Ledbetter and Ada C. Ledbetter. Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Wilkins Ledbetter in February, 2014; his brothers: Marvin Ledbetter, George Ledbetter, William G. Ledbetter, Jr.; and sisters: Helen Armfield, Bernice Savage, Laurice Ashburn, Sarah Rogers and Leona Garrett.

He is survived by his children: Timothy D. Ledbetter and wife Rebecca, of St. Marys, GA, Angela D. Barrett and husband Kyle, of Candler, and Bradley S. Ledbetter and wife Sherry, of Simpsonville, SC. Additionally, he is survived by three loving step-children: Danny Wilkins and wife Anita, Jerry Wilkins and wife Lorna, and Vicki W. Teague and husband Phil, all of Buncombe County, NC. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Mackenzie B. Matousek and husband Thomas, of Morganton, NC, Morgan B. Blanton and husband Caleb, of Gastonia, NC, Kylie B. Ledbetter, of Greenville, SC, Emilee A. Ledbetter, of Saint Augustine, FL, Colin G. Ledbetter, of St. Marys, GA and Ashlee Murphy and husband Jason, of Greenville, SC; seven step-grandchildren: Justin Wilkins and wife Allison, Lindsay Swain and husband Jesse, Zach Wilkins and wife Elizabeth, Ashton Shope and husband Kelby, Jarred Teague and wife Kalie, Jessy Wilkins, Jensyn Davis and husband Joshua, all of Buncombe County; three great-grandchildren, Maverick Matousek, Jackson Blanton and Brantley Wilson; and numerous step great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his sister Ruth Albertson, of Winston-Salem, NC.

Howard was a dedicated Christian who lived a full life of loving God, his family and friends. His greatest act was ensuring that each of his children were taught the love and sacrifice of their savior Jesus Christ. His children are going to miss him dearly but know without a doubt that he has been reunited in Heaven with family and friends who have gone to their reward before him.

Visitation will be held at Groce Funeral Home, Patton Ave., on Sunday, October 29, 2023, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. The Rev. Jeff Henry will officiate. Burial will then follow at Cane Creek Cemetery, Fairview.

His children would like to thank the staff of Stonecreek Health & Rehabilitation Center in Asheville for their kindness and care of their father during the last two months of his Earthly life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child Fund.

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