Joseph C. Ledford

Joseph C. Ledford, age 84, resident of Cleveland, TN, passed away Tuesday morning, March 11, 2008, in a local hospital. He was a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. He was owner and operator of Cox Auto Parts for 20 years working together with his wife. He had worked in the auto parts business for most of his life. Joe was a veteran of WWII having served his country in the United States Army in the Atlantic and Pacific Theatres. He was a past member of the Cleveland Elks Lodge #1944 and past member of the Cleveland Optimist Club. He loved to ride his motorcycle and had made several cross country trips, with close friends, covering much of the United States and parts of Canada. He loved music and loved to host singings at his home. Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother. He loved his family, his church and he loved people. He will be remembered most for his wonderful sense of humor. He knew how to make every day count and he enjoyed life. He will be deeply missed by all his family and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Glover and Hazel Davis Ledford, three brothers, Frank, Donald and Beverly Ledford.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary Katherine Ledford; two daughters and sons in law, Kay and John Osterlund, Reno, Nevada and Debbie and Rick Zabor, Marietta, GA; three grandchildren and their spouses, Kelly and Keith McCowen, Erynn and Randy Swann and Emily Zabor; four great grandchildren, Lauren and Courtney McCowen and Chandler and Skylar Swan. Two sisters and brother in law, Jewel Randolph and Jeanette and Herbert Benton, Cleveland, TN; one sister in law, Dorothy Ledford, Cleveland, TN; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 14, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Robert Haskins and Rev. Robert Smith officiating. The eulogy will be given by one of Joes closest friends, John Miles. Interment will follow in Tasso United Methodist Church Cemetery with nephews serving as pallbearers. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service at the church.

The family requests memorials be made to the Alzheimers Association 7625 Hamilton Park Drive Suite #8 Chattanooga, TN 37421 or the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church 3405 Peerless Road NW Cleveland, TN 37312.

The family will receive friends Thursday, March 13, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Grissom Funeral Home who has charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net