3 years ago

Michael James Ledford
1953 - 2021

Michael James Ledford, 68 of Amarillo, formerly of Pampa, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, in Amarillo after a short battle with COVID. He was born the oldest of six children on Oct.17, 1953, in Lawton, Okla. to Arby and Lee Etta Ledford.

Mike had attended school in both Skellytown as well as White Deer and at the age of 17, decided to join the United States Army, which he retired in 1992 as an E6 Army Staff Sargent. During his tenure, he had traveled to Turkey (two tours), Germany, Afghanistan and had fought in Desert Storm. While serving his country and fighting in war, he was awarded such medals and ribbons as Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, six Good Conduct Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon Numeral 2, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon Numeral 5, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Expert Badge Rifle, National Defense Service Medal with one Service Star. Following his retirement from the Army, he followed in his dad’s footsteps and joined the Pampa Concrete crew and worked there until his retirement at the age of 63 due to health-related issues.

Mike approached every avenue of his life with a sense of duty and dedication. His love of his family was absolute and while he was the family cut-up and the great tormentor of his sisters, that was his job and nobody else was allowed to harass or bother them in fear of his wrath. That same treatment was extended to his nieces and nephews over the years. The siblings were all so close, they were even baptized together in the 1970s at the Community Church in Skellytown. When Mike began his own family with his wife Christine and son Levi, he wanted to make sure Levi had his attention, even letting his young son accompany him to work on Saturday’s so he could see what dad did. To say Mike was generous was an understatement, he shared his time with all who knew him, would give his last dollar or the shirt off his back to help someone in need, according to his family this happened more than once. Sunday football will not be the same without Mike rooting for his Cowboys and we know that another John Wayne fan has joined him in the final scene as the cowboy rides away.

Greeting him into Heaven were his beloved parents; two sisters, Karen Williams, Patty Smith and brother-in-law, Randy Ruth.

Mike’s loved ones that remain to treasure and value his love and memories are his wife, Christine Ledford of Amarillo; son, Levi Ledford of Amarillo; brother, Wendell Ledford of Arkansas; two sisters, Brenda and spouse Bruce Madden of Pampa, Marcy Ruth of Skellytown; two brothers-in-law, Walt Williams of Pampa, Gearry Smith of White Deer; lots and lots of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly; the “Mother Hen” of Pampa Concrete employees, Ms. Novis of Pampa; two very special friends and Mike’s Pampa Concrete coworkers, Eddie Kendell and Craig Snell, both of Pampa (whom the family extends many thanks and much gratitude for sticking by them and for all the help during Mike’s disability transition); and last, but most definitely not least, Ada Westbrook and her late husband, Clifton Westbrook, who so selflessly took on more of a momma role than merely a cousin to us.

Celebration of Life graveside services were held on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at Memory Gardens Cemetery Mausoleum and Brother Jim Sinyard officiated and Military Honors were presented. The family entrusted the care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.

Should donations be a preference, the family suggests they be made in honor of Mike to the Texas Wounded Warriors, PO Box 130727, Tyler, Texas, 75713.