Henry Samuel Ledford

Henry Samuel Ledford, age 96, passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Born November 21, 1927, in Spiro, Oklahoma, he was a beloved son of Otis Ledford and Dessie (Allen) Ledford. Henry proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Force during the 1940s, stationed on Adak Island in Alaska. After his military service, Henry had a long and dedicated career as a machinist at Dixie Cup, where he worked for 37 years. He was an avid bowler, and his other hobbies included fishing, hunting, cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events, or eating a burger at George's here in Fort Smith. Henry was also a dedicated member of many organizations throughout his life, including the U.S. Bowling Association, the United Steel Workers Union, and the Paper Industry Union. Henry will be remembered as a noble veteran, a skilled handyman, and a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend. 

Henry is survived by his three children, Karen Couch and spouse Mike of Lowell, AR; Sandra Norrid and spouse Jim of Fort Smith, AR; and Michael Ledford of Fort Smith, AR; six grandchildren, John Couch and spouse Karen of Cave Springs, AR; Sarah Bohannon and spouse Jason of Lowell, AR; Nancy Copeland and spouse Aaron of Springdale; Jeff Norrid and spouse Courtney of Durham, NC; Sarah Benish and spouse Brandon of Rogers, AR; and Zachary Ledford and Staci of Fort Smith, AR; seventeen great-grandchildren, Mattie Allbright and spouse Jesse of Rogers, AR; Andrew Couch and spouse Mary Ashley of Russellville, AR; Wesley Couch of Cave Springs, AR; Ryanne Wolff of Lowell, AR; Teghan Wolff of Lowell, AR; Mason Wolff of Lowell, AR; Hudson Wolff of Lowell, AR; Ella Bohannon of Lowell, AR; Miller Bohannon of Lowell, AR; Brooks Bohannon of Lowell, AR; Aidan Copeland of Springdale, AR; Evan Copeland of Springdale, AR; Grace Benish of Rogers, AR; Molly Benish of Rogers, AR; Addison Ledford of Fort Smith, AR; Avery Ledford of Fort Smith, AR; and Beau Ledford of Fort Smith, AR; one sister, Velma Walton of Oklahoma; among numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ella Mae Ledford; his parents, Otis and Dessie Ledford; two sisters, five brothers; and one daughter-in-law, Janet Ledford. 

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Lewis Funeral Chapel, located at 4817 Kelley Hwy in Fort Smith, AR 72904. A family-only Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., also on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Couch, Jason Bohannon, Jeff Norrid, Brandon Benish, Zachary Ledford, and Aaron Copeland. Pastor Matt Whitson is to officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans Organization, or to the Boys & Girls Club of Fort Smith. Services are entrusted to Lewis Funeral Chapel. 

I Corinthians 13:13

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love".

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