Jeffery Allan Ledbetter, 67, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024. He was born on January 21, 1957, in Geneva, Ohio, to the late George and Marion Wilson Ledbetter.
Jeff’s professional life took him to many places and gave him many incredible experiences and stories. Among some of his interesting occupations were driving trucks and traveling with the PRCA Rodeo and doing security for Gaylord Entertainment, where he did security for the likes of George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Paycheck, and even included a tour with Merle Haggard. The majority of Jeff’s professional life was spent as a successful business owner in the construction industry. What started as a mobile home business progressed to modular construction and set up and then to modular construction all over the United States, including many government facilities and military bases. After closing his business, Jeff went back to his first career passion, driving trucks. He enjoyed the solitude, meeting so many new people and driving across and experiencing this beautiful county that he loved.
He enjoyed classic cars, old country music, camping with his “family,” riding his Harley, traveling, and pissing people off. Jeff was known for his quick wit and for telling great stories. He most loved telling stories of experiences with family, friends, work experiences, the fascinating places he had been, both personally and professionally. Most of his stories included his many previous (and current) shenanigans. Above all, Jeff loved spending time with his family and friends and being a Pepaw (or Crazy Ole Man) to his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Marty Ledbetter and George “Lee” Ledbetter Jr.; stepdaughter, Ashlee Fields-Blake; stepmother, Sue Ledbetter; Uncle Jack Urban and Aunt Marie Ledbetter Urban.
Those left to cherish Jeffery’s memory are his loving wife of 20 years, Lisa Semmens Ledbetter; stepson, Guy (Tanisha) Fields; bonus daughter, Maria Fields; sisters, Darlene Bigley, Cheryl (Gary) Thompson, and Patricia (David) Fantetti; stepbrothers, Joe Janota, and Jim (Shelly) Janota; stepsister, Kim Ball; and Aunt Linda Buchs and Lisa’s amazing family that Jeff quickly came to considered his own. Also surviving are the joys of his life, his grandchildren, Maleah Addison Blake and Reign Fields; and his beloved constant companion Nala; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the chapel of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville with Rev. Joe Greene officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jeff’s name to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville is proudly serving the Ledbetter family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.