Moving On

Bruce married Susie Young, who was also from Bakersville. During this time, Bruce completed his doctorate at East Tennessee State University and served in the US Army (from 1966 to 1967).

Bruce and Susie (East Tennessee State Graduation)

In 1969, Bruce and Susie gave birth to Joseph Clayton Ledford. They lived in Kingsport Tennessee. Bruce worked at a local high school teaching history. He was also an assistant baseball coach. Bruce had a love for baseball. I am not sure when this started, but if I had to guess, I would say it was when they lived in New York. His favorite team was the Brooklyn Dodgers.

In 1972, Bruce and Susie gave birth to a little girl, Jenny. Right after Jenny was born, Bruce was offered a teaching position at East Texas State University in Commerce Texas.

In 1973, the family picked up and moved. Bruce was the only brother who moved away from the mountains. It was an exciting time for him. Bruce loved the community he grew up in, but always wanted to see the world.

Bruce, Susie, Joey and Jenny lived in Commerce from 1973 to 1982. It was a great time! It was a very small town where some very close friends were made - for everyone in the family. In 1982, Bruce was offered another teaching position at the University of Arizona in Tucson Arizona. It was a very difficult decision but they decided it was a good move for the family. Moving day was one of the hardest days they had. All of the friends they had made in Commerce came out to see them leave - some asking the family not to leave - to stay in Commerce.

The family stayed in Tucson from 1982 to 1985. At that time, the family decided to move back toward the south east. Bruce accepted a teaching position at Auburn University in Auburn Alabama. In 1985, the family moved to Auburn Alabama.