Billy Vance Ledford, 90, returned to his heavenly home on Thursday, April 13, 2023 after a short battle with cancer. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Billy was born on October 27, 1932 to the the late Farris Ledford and Bryte Hull Ledford in Lincoln County. He grew up with three brothers, the late Homer Ledford, M.L. Ledford and Max Ledford.

Bill was blessed with a large and loving family. He married the love of his life, Irene Walker Ledford. They raised three children together with patience, discipline, humility and plenty of humor in their sixty-seven years.

Bill spent his working years at Drexel furniture in Morganton, but his passion was serving in Upper Cleveland Rescue Squad as a volunteer ambulance driver for twenty-five plus years and spent many sleepless nights driving to hospitals and then going to work the next day without complaints. He is dearly missed by his loved ones and friends, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator.

Bill is survived by his wife Irene; son Tony Ledford (Marya); daughters, Penny Perdieu (Cecil) and Sandra (Sandi) Jones (Tony); eight wonderful grandchildren including Amy Bowman, Barbara Owensby (Darrin), Miranda Hyland (Matthew), Dustin Ledford (Jennifer), Nathan Ledford (Leah), Sara Westmoreland (Jeremy), Ivy Smith (Michael), and Laura Green (fiancé, Jason). Sixteen amazing great grandchildren, Justin (Krista), Amanda, Austin, Alijah, Aubrey, Arlenn, Aiedan, Walker, Archer, Alayna, Abriel, Reagan, Nashville, Memphis, Erica and Linda; and awaiting the arrival of his first great-great grandchild, Kacen.

Bill will always be remembered for his love of music and his humorous renditions of songs such as "Cabbage Head" as he danced a little jig for all the grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home, Fallston.

The funeral service will be held on Sunday at 3:00 PM at Olive Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Terrill Crump officiating. Mr. Ledford will be placed in the church thirty minutes before the service.

The burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

A guest register is available at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., Fallston, NC.