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ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES.com:
ObituariesDr. Bruce R. LedfordBakersville -
Dr. Bruce R. Ledford, 65, died Tuesday, July 3, 2007, in a Spruce Pine Hospital. He was born Sept. 13, 1941, in Bakersville, the son of the late Jess and Dona Doanie Mama Buchanan Ledford.
He is survived by his wife, Amelia Webb Ledford; son, Joseph Joe, and wife, Angela, of Auburn, Ala.; daughter, Jennifer Ritta Jenny and husband, Glen, of Auburn; and grandson, Todd Vance, also of Auburn.
Other survivors include three brothers, Dr. Ted R. Ledford and his wife, Eleanor, of Little Switzerland, Darrel R. Ledford and his wife, Elwanda, of Bakersville, and Lee Roy Ledford and his wife, Sue, of Bakersville; stepson, Scott Fortner, and step-granddaughter, Samantha, of Bakersville; stepdaughter, Stephanie Medford, and husband, Charlie; step-granddaughter, Katie Medford, of Bakersville, and step-granddaughter, Shaylee Jones, of Auburn; nieces and nephews, Tracy and Sam Deyton, Tom and Dana Ledford, Scooter Ledford, Dr. Katherine Ledford and husband, Brian McKinney, and Victoria and Corey O'Connor.
Upon completion of his doctorate at East Tennessee State University and service in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 67, he enjoyed a long and successful teaching career at East Texas State University, the University of Arizona, and Auburn University. He was also the author of two college textbooks on education theory and practice, as well as a number of articles in various professional journals. He was also honored as a distinguished alumnus by East Tennessee State University at a university convocation in 1989.
In addition to his professional activities in the areas of classroom teaching and research, he was an educational media consultant for the University of Alabama, making numerous trips to Peru, Columbia and Mexico for the university. He was also active in a number of other areas related to educational media. One of the films he produced was named a top-ten educational film in 1977, and one of his film students was nominated for an Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
He was also an accomplished still and video photographer, editor, painter and sculptor. He was an avid baseball fan. His knowledge of the game and players in the 1950s and 1960s was phenomenal. He had also traveled extensively in the United States and Europe.
After his retirement from university teaching, he became active in various projects back home in Mitchell County. He produced a number of web sites for local businesses, artists and civic organizations. He was also an active member of the Mitchell County Courthouse Restoration Committee and Lily Branch Baptist Church, where he taught a Sunday school class, produced the church bulletin and newsletter, and served as church historian.
Memorials may be made to the Courthouse Restoration Committee, c/o Daniel Barron, Bakersville, NC 28705; or Lily Branch Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Jackie Thomas, 3416 Snow Creek Road, Bakersville, NC 28705.
The funeral will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Lily Branch Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until the service hour.
The Rev. Vern Grindstaff will officiate.
Interment will be at 11 a.m. Friday in the church cemetery.
ObituariesDr. Bruce R. LedfordBakersville -
Dr. Bruce R. Ledford, 65, died Tuesday, July 3, 2007, in a Spruce Pine Hospital. He was born Sept. 13, 1941, in Bakersville, the son of the late Jess and Dona Doanie Mama Buchanan Ledford.
He is survived by his wife, Amelia Webb Ledford; son, Joseph Joe, and wife, Angela, of Auburn, Ala.; daughter, Jennifer Ritta Jenny and husband, Glen, of Auburn; and grandson, Todd Vance, also of Auburn.
Other survivors include three brothers, Dr. Ted R. Ledford and his wife, Eleanor, of Little Switzerland, Darrel R. Ledford and his wife, Elwanda, of Bakersville, and Lee Roy Ledford and his wife, Sue, of Bakersville; stepson, Scott Fortner, and step-granddaughter, Samantha, of Bakersville; stepdaughter, Stephanie Medford, and husband, Charlie; step-granddaughter, Katie Medford, of Bakersville, and step-granddaughter, Shaylee Jones, of Auburn; nieces and nephews, Tracy and Sam Deyton, Tom and Dana Ledford, Scooter Ledford, Dr. Katherine Ledford and husband, Brian McKinney, and Victoria and Corey O'Connor.
Upon completion of his doctorate at East Tennessee State University and service in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 67, he enjoyed a long and successful teaching career at East Texas State University, the University of Arizona, and Auburn University. He was also the author of two college textbooks on education theory and practice, as well as a number of articles in various professional journals. He was also honored as a distinguished alumnus by East Tennessee State University at a university convocation in 1989.
In addition to his professional activities in the areas of classroom teaching and research, he was an educational media consultant for the University of Alabama, making numerous trips to Peru, Columbia and Mexico for the university. He was also active in a number of other areas related to educational media. One of the films he produced was named a top-ten educational film in 1977, and one of his film students was nominated for an Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
He was also an accomplished still and video photographer, editor, painter and sculptor. He was an avid baseball fan. His knowledge of the game and players in the 1950s and 1960s was phenomenal. He had also traveled extensively in the United States and Europe.
After his retirement from university teaching, he became active in various projects back home in Mitchell County. He produced a number of web sites for local businesses, artists and civic organizations. He was also an active member of the Mitchell County Courthouse Restoration Committee and Lily Branch Baptist Church, where he taught a Sunday school class, produced the church bulletin and newsletter, and served as church historian.
Memorials may be made to the Courthouse Restoration Committee, c/o Daniel Barron, Bakersville, NC 28705; or Lily Branch Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Jackie Thomas, 3416 Snow Creek Road, Bakersville, NC 28705.
The funeral will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Lily Branch Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until the service hour.
The Rev. Vern Grindstaff will officiate.
Interment will be at 11 a.m. Friday in the church cemetery.
Dr. Bruce R. Ledford's Resume - Very Brief Overview
EDUCATION
Doctor of Education
East Tennessee State University
1974(Instructional Communication)
Dissertation Title:"The Synthesis of a Technique of Comprehensive Analysis of Individual Learners" Director:Dr. Ted C. Cobun
Master of Arts
East Tennessee State University
1971 (Instructional Communication)
Bachelor of Science Appalachian State University (History)
East Tennessee State University, 1968
EMPLOYMENT
1985-2001
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Professor of Educational Media Graduate Faculty, Tenured
1982-1985
The University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Professor of Media. Graduate Faculty
1974-1982
Texas A & M University
Commerce Texas
Professor of Media and Director of Instructional Services Center for Educational Media and Technology. Graduate Faculty, Tenured
1972-1974
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee
Doctoral Fellow
1968-1972
Kingsport City Schools
Kingsport, Tennessee
American History teacher and baseball coach
1966-1967
U.S. Army Sergeant E-5; MOS 76W4H
PUBLICATIONS
BOOKS
2002: Instructional Design: System Strategies
2000: Instructional Design: A primer
35 Journal Articles Published
25 Scholoraly Chapters
13 Published CAI programs
4 Interactive Video Productions
8 Motion Pictures
3 Multi-Image/Multi-Media
37 Television Selected
20 Papers Selected
11 Doctoral Dissertations Directed
21 Doctoral Dissertations as Minor Advisor
Over $500,000 in Grants Received
HONORS AND AWARDS
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Alabama Governor1s Media Award for Employment of the Disabled; 1997
Doctor of Education
East Tennessee State University
1974(Instructional Communication)
Dissertation Title:"The Synthesis of a Technique of Comprehensive Analysis of Individual Learners" Director:Dr. Ted C. Cobun
Master of Arts
East Tennessee State University
1971 (Instructional Communication)
Bachelor of Science Appalachian State University (History)
East Tennessee State University, 1968
EMPLOYMENT
1985-2001
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Professor of Educational Media Graduate Faculty, Tenured
1982-1985
The University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Professor of Media. Graduate Faculty
1974-1982
Texas A & M University
Commerce Texas
Professor of Media and Director of Instructional Services Center for Educational Media and Technology. Graduate Faculty, Tenured
1972-1974
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee
Doctoral Fellow
1968-1972
Kingsport City Schools
Kingsport, Tennessee
American History teacher and baseball coach
1966-1967
U.S. Army Sergeant E-5; MOS 76W4H
PUBLICATIONS
BOOKS
2002: Instructional Design: System Strategies
2000: Instructional Design: A primer
35 Journal Articles Published
25 Scholoraly Chapters
13 Published CAI programs
4 Interactive Video Productions
8 Motion Pictures
3 Multi-Image/Multi-Media
37 Television Selected
20 Papers Selected
11 Doctoral Dissertations Directed
21 Doctoral Dissertations as Minor Advisor
Over $500,000 in Grants Received
HONORS AND AWARDS
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Alabama Governor1s Media Award for Employment of the Disabled; 1997
Certificate of Appreciation from Lee County Acievement Center - Easter Seal; 1996
Certificate of Merit from the East Tennessee State University Alumni Association, 1980
Certificate of Appreciation for dedicated service as a member of the board of directors of the National Alumni Association, East Tennessee State University, 1989 to 1993.
Doctoral Fellow at East Tennessee State University, 1972-1974
Executive producer of one of the 20 best films of 1978 as selected by The Instructor 1979, 1980
One of four nominees from the College of Education for the Texas Association of College Teachers Outstanding Teaching Award, Texas A & M University-Commerce 1981
Nominee from Texas A & M University-Commerce for the state of Texas Minnie Piper Stevens Higher Education Award1980, 1981
Finalist for the Faculty Senate Distinguished Faculty Award, Texas A & M University-Commerce
Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Contribution, Phi Delta Kappa International, 1978
Board of Regents Resolution upon the Exceptional Service as a member of the Presidential Search and Screening Committee for Texas A & M University-Commerce ; Texas A & M University-Commerce Board of Regents, 1981
Board of Regents Resolution upon the Exceptional Service as a member of the Vice President for Academic Affairs Search Committee for Texas A & M University-Commerce ; Texas A & M University-Commerce Board of Regents, 1981
Member of National Board of Directors, East Tennessee State University Alumni Association; four-year term, 1989-1993
Health
In 2003, Bruce was not feeling well. After 4 days he finally realized something was not right. Amelia's daughter, Stephanie, and her husband Charlie stopped by to see Dad and Amelia. While there, Charlie checked Dad's blood pressure. It was extremely high. So they immediately took him to the hospital. Dad was having a stroke. I believe he had several strokes for the 4 days before going to the hospital. He also had a stroke while in the hospital. It was a difficult time. One side of his face was partially paralyzed. He didn't have much use of one side of his body and he could not project his voice. He had a difficult time with stairs, shaving and even reading. Because of the stroke, they determined Dad had diabetes and also had a clot in his brain. With lots of physical therapy, Dad's condition improved. He as able to do almost all of the things he loved. He wasn't as strong but he got by.
Jenny and Joey were both living in the area and were able to be by his side during this difficult time.
Once Bruce was feeling better, him and Amelia travelled throughout the US and Europe. And of course, made several trips to Auburn where Jenny was now living with her family.
On Saturday June 30 2007, Bruce and Amelia attended the annual 4th of July celebration at Lee Roy and Sue Ledford's. This is a large celebration with food, drinks and a band. Dad had a blast. Taking pictures of the kids dancing, spending time with friends and family and just enjoying the evening. The day before, he spent time talking with Jenny and Joey on the phone. Bruce loved talking on the phone with his kids. A day never went by that he didn't talk to them.
After the celebration, Amelia and Bruce went home. They had one of Amelia's grandkids - Samantha - she was spending the night with them. Amelia ended up spending the night in Samantha's room with her. The next morning, she went in to make sure Bruce was up and getting ready for church. He was still in bed and she could tell something was not right. She immediately called 911. Dad was admitted into the hospital on Sunday July 1 2007. He was having another stroke
The next several days were hard.
The Ledfords had rallied together and made a schedule to sit with Bruce so someone was always with him. Joe and Jenny drove up from Auburn on Sunday morning.
Amelia stayed by his side the entire time.
(Personal note: I have never had anyone close to me pass away. When Joe and I first got to the hospital, I did not know if I would be able to go in and see Dad. With the help of Lee Roy and Sue, I was able too. Thank God!! Dad could not talk but was able to write notes. I told him i loved him and he wrote back on a sheet of paper "I Love You". I still have this note and will cherish it forever. Also, my Dad always did the Little Rascal wave to me from the time I was a little kid. The thought of him never doing this again upset me. But on that first day in the hospital, I was leaving his room and he did the Little Rascal wave. I will keep this memory forever. After that day, he did not write or move anymore)
On the evening of Tuesday July 3, 2007, Bruce passed away.
He had a stroke in the stem of his brain.
There is only a 15% survival rate with this type of stroke.
It was the most difficult day ever for all of us.
I could not imagine if you did not have family, having to deal with the death of a loved one.
Thank God for family!!
Jenny and Joey were both living in the area and were able to be by his side during this difficult time.
Once Bruce was feeling better, him and Amelia travelled throughout the US and Europe. And of course, made several trips to Auburn where Jenny was now living with her family.
On Saturday June 30 2007, Bruce and Amelia attended the annual 4th of July celebration at Lee Roy and Sue Ledford's. This is a large celebration with food, drinks and a band. Dad had a blast. Taking pictures of the kids dancing, spending time with friends and family and just enjoying the evening. The day before, he spent time talking with Jenny and Joey on the phone. Bruce loved talking on the phone with his kids. A day never went by that he didn't talk to them.
After the celebration, Amelia and Bruce went home. They had one of Amelia's grandkids - Samantha - she was spending the night with them. Amelia ended up spending the night in Samantha's room with her. The next morning, she went in to make sure Bruce was up and getting ready for church. He was still in bed and she could tell something was not right. She immediately called 911. Dad was admitted into the hospital on Sunday July 1 2007. He was having another stroke
The next several days were hard.
The Ledfords had rallied together and made a schedule to sit with Bruce so someone was always with him. Joe and Jenny drove up from Auburn on Sunday morning.
Amelia stayed by his side the entire time.
(Personal note: I have never had anyone close to me pass away. When Joe and I first got to the hospital, I did not know if I would be able to go in and see Dad. With the help of Lee Roy and Sue, I was able too. Thank God!! Dad could not talk but was able to write notes. I told him i loved him and he wrote back on a sheet of paper "I Love You". I still have this note and will cherish it forever. Also, my Dad always did the Little Rascal wave to me from the time I was a little kid. The thought of him never doing this again upset me. But on that first day in the hospital, I was leaving his room and he did the Little Rascal wave. I will keep this memory forever. After that day, he did not write or move anymore)
On the evening of Tuesday July 3, 2007, Bruce passed away.
He had a stroke in the stem of his brain.
There is only a 15% survival rate with this type of stroke.
It was the most difficult day ever for all of us.
I could not imagine if you did not have family, having to deal with the death of a loved one.
Thank God for family!!
The next several days were a blur. We spent the day on July 4th making funeral arrangements. Then went to Lee Roy and Sue's to celebrate Bruce's life. Family and close friends came over and we told wonderful and funny stories about Dad.
On Thursday July 5th, we had the church service for Dad at Lily Branch Baptist Church. Dad always said he was afraid he would not have alot of people attend his funeral and would probably not have many flowers. That was not the case. The church was packed with people, the visitation line went on forever, and there were so many beautiful flowers, there was hardly any room to stand up front.
The next day on Friday July 6th, was the burial service for the family. Since Bruce had served in the military, arrangements had been made for a military service. They played "Taps", did a gun salute and presented the American flag to the family.
Bruce is buried at the Lily Branch Cemetary, on top of the hill. In the Fall and Winter, you can see the home him and Amelia shared together.
Dad, each and every day, you are thought of and missed deeply. We love you!
New Life
After two years of living in Auburn Alabama, Bruce and Susie decided to separate. In 1987, Susie and Jenny moved to Bakersville North Carolina. Bruce and Joey stayed in Auburn. Jenny was starting 9th grade and Joey was entering 11th grade, he had two more years of school at Auburn High and did not want to leave his friends.
Bruce was teaching at Auburn University. A year or two after the divorce, Bruce started traveling back up to North Carolina. His brothers and other family members were still up there. He taught on Mondays and Wednesdays and then after his last class on Wednesday, he would drive back up to Bakersville - a 6 hour drive. He would stay in Bakersville til Sunday evening and then would drive back to Auburn. I think Joey (who eventually wanted to be called Joe) enjoyed this as he had the house to himself on the weekends - and probably had a great party or two!!
During one of Bruce's travels up to Bakersville, he ran into a woman he had gone to elementary and high school with. Her name is Amelia. She was recently divorced and had 2 grown kids of her own. For the next 10 years, Bruce would drive every week to Bakersville to see Amelia. This was good because he also was able to spend time with his brothers, their wives and kids and also was able to spend time with Jenny.
After 10 years of driving back and forth from Auburn to North Carolina, Bruce was able to retire from Auburn University. He retired, sold his home in Auburn and moved in with Amelia. In 1998, Bruce and Amelia went to the Bahamas and married.
Bruce was teaching at Auburn University. A year or two after the divorce, Bruce started traveling back up to North Carolina. His brothers and other family members were still up there. He taught on Mondays and Wednesdays and then after his last class on Wednesday, he would drive back up to Bakersville - a 6 hour drive. He would stay in Bakersville til Sunday evening and then would drive back to Auburn. I think Joey (who eventually wanted to be called Joe) enjoyed this as he had the house to himself on the weekends - and probably had a great party or two!!
During one of Bruce's travels up to Bakersville, he ran into a woman he had gone to elementary and high school with. Her name is Amelia. She was recently divorced and had 2 grown kids of her own. For the next 10 years, Bruce would drive every week to Bakersville to see Amelia. This was good because he also was able to spend time with his brothers, their wives and kids and also was able to spend time with Jenny.
After 10 years of driving back and forth from Auburn to North Carolina, Bruce was able to retire from Auburn University. He retired, sold his home in Auburn and moved in with Amelia. In 1998, Bruce and Amelia went to the Bahamas and married.
Amelia and Bruce
Bruce continued to do work for the university and he also had time to develop a website development company. He enjoyed his retirement. He and Amelia traveled across the United States and also to Mexico and Europe. Since he was still doing work for Auburn University, he also travelled to Columbia South America every year to work with teachers in that area. Bruce and Amelia also did work around the house. They put in a new kitchen, finished part of the basement to make an office for Bruce and enjoyed time together. Amelia had two grandchildren, Katie and Samantha, and they enjoyed spending time with them also.
During the years that Bruce was living in Bakersville, his kids had moved to several places. Joe moved back and forth between Auburn and North Carolina. Joe opened a restaurant in Boone and then opened another restaurant in Bakersville.
Jenny and Joey
Jenny had a son (Todd), married (Glen) and also moved several times. Glen and Jenny lived in Auburn, Coral Springs Florida, Linville North Carolina and then in 2004 moved back to Auburn.
Jenny, Todd and Glen
In 2007, Joe had also moved to Auburn.
Joe at work in Auburn
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.
Growing up in Bakersville
Bruce Ledford was born on September 13, 1941 in the town of Bakersville, a small community in the mountains of western North Carolina. He was born to Jess and Dona Ledford. Bruce had 3 brothers, Ted, Darrel and Lee Roy.
Ted, Darrel, Bruce and Lee Roy
The family of 6 was a modest family who lived at the head of White Oak in a little two bedroom home. They did not have alot but the two things they did have, was each other and the desire for an education.
The story I remember being told as a child was that when Dona (pronounced doe-na) was pregnant with Bruce, she really wanted a girl. But, she had another boy, Bruce. Since she didn't have a girl, she decided to let Bruce's hair grow long and dress him in cute clothes. She always wanted a little girl but ended up with 4 boys.
Dona was affectionately known to the boys as "Doanie Mama". My understanding of how the nickname Doanie Mama came to be was when dad was a pre-teen, there was a rock-n-roll song that mentioned something about a wild mama. Dona did not like this song very much. One day, I believe it was my dad, changed the lyrics of the song to include my grandmothers name... Doanie Mama. I do not think she was very fond of this but from that point on, the boys started calling her Doanie Mama - and the name stuck.
The story I remember being told as a child was that when Dona (pronounced doe-na) was pregnant with Bruce, she really wanted a girl. But, she had another boy, Bruce. Since she didn't have a girl, she decided to let Bruce's hair grow long and dress him in cute clothes. She always wanted a little girl but ended up with 4 boys.
Dona was affectionately known to the boys as "Doanie Mama". My understanding of how the nickname Doanie Mama came to be was when dad was a pre-teen, there was a rock-n-roll song that mentioned something about a wild mama. Dona did not like this song very much. One day, I believe it was my dad, changed the lyrics of the song to include my grandmothers name... Doanie Mama. I do not think she was very fond of this but from that point on, the boys started calling her Doanie Mama - and the name stuck.
Doanie Mama is on the far left
Jess was a hard worker. He did everything he could to provide for his family. At one point, the family moved to New York. This was a big change from living in Bakersville North Carolina. The boys did what they could in NY to provide for themselves. For example, if they wanted to see a movie, the family could not afford it. So the boys would stand outside the theater and their friends who were from NY, would tell the "yankees", if you pay - the mountain boys will say something for you. Apparently, the New Yorkers wanted to hear what these little mountain boys sounded like, so they would pay. The money made was used to get into the movie theater. Eventually, the family moved back to Bakersville.
- Jess - Painted by Bruce Ledford
The brothers grew up and all of them went on to college. Some obtained a Bachelors degree and some even went on to obtain a Masters and even their Doctorates. Each brother married and started a family of their own.
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