Robert James Ledford, Jr. passed from here to Heaven on his birthday, January 4, 2024, in McKinney, Texas, at the age of 71. Born to Robert and Barbara Jean (Slayton) Ledford on January 4, 1953, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Bob also spent years in Ruston, Louisiana; Birmingham, Alabama; Lake Mary, Florida; and Wylie, Fort Worth and McKinney, Texas.
Bob attended Woodlawn and Southwood high schools in Shreveport, Louisiana. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama at Huntsville and his master’s degree from Louisiana Tech University. Bob was married to Pamela Wall Ledford, of Shreveport, Louisiana, for 38 years before her death. He later married Gaye Brotherton Ogletree, a Shreveport, Louisiana, native, in Plano, Texas, on March 8, 2014. She was at his side when he died while battling pancreatic cancer and a blood infection.
Bob is survived by his wife, Gaye, of McKinney, Texas; daughter, Ashley Ledford of Orlando, Florida; and brother, Steve Ledford and wife, Alice, of Houston, Texas. Among those who were so important in his life were his nieces and nephews, Kris Ledford of San Antonio, Texas; Christina Maddox of Hazel Green, Alabama; Andrew Ledford and Austin Ledford, both of Houston, Texas; stepdaughters, Jeni Rhodes and husband, Kyle; and Casey Withers and husband, Lee, all of McKinney, Texas. Bob also had a very special relationship with his and Gaye’s grandchildren, Kyndl Withers, Jackson Gannon, Keelie Rhodes, Liam Withers and Leighton Withers.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Dr. Robert Ledford and Barbara Jean Slayton Ledford, of Huntsville, Alabama; and his first wife, Pamela Wall Ledford.
Bob’s career in higher education began in Ruston, Louisiana, continued in Alabama and Florida, and ended when he retired in 2018 while serving as the Chief of Staff for the Vice Chancellor at Tarrant College in Fort Worth, Texas.
In addition to his deep love for his family and Alabama football (Roll Tide), Bob took much pleasure in reading widely and studying the Holy Bible and books and sermons written by followers of Christ through the ages. His most important investments in life came through his faith and devotion to his Savior, Jesus Christ. While living in McKinney, Texas, he attended Redeemer Presbyterian Church in McKinney. He was involved in several ministries there, including Grief Support and shepherding/discipleship opportunities. Bob was a faithful servant to his Lord and a friend to many.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. The service will also be live streamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/robert-bob-ledford-jr.
For those wishing to make a memorial gift, Bob and Gaye would be so honored for you to contribute to a beautiful Gospel work taking place in Nepal, a ministry they have supported for the past nine years. To do so, make your check payable to ABWE. Be sure to include “In memory of Robert Ledford.” You may write that in the memo line or attach a note including that. By doing this, your gift will be directed to the intended missionary. Mail your gift to ABWE, P.O. Box 8585, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8585.