“George loved us and let us love him” –Pastor Bobby Gant, eulogizing George Ledford
Few can remember how George Ledford came to Forest City, North Carolina in 1973, but it wasn’t long before he became well known.
George was afflicted with cerebral palsy, one would not think he could do much physically, but he worked for 39 years in a manual labor job. His affliction made his speech hard to understand, you wouldn’t think he would have many acquaintances, but he became a community icon. George didn’t have any close family, no one remembers any relatives visiting, but hundreds came to his funeral.
A tribute in the Daily Courier explained, “George loved people and people loved him back. He was authentic with a boisterous laugh and an ever present smile.”
George worked at Smith’s Drug Store, a pharmacy that still has a lunch counter and George was their dishwasher. He retired in May 2013 and the Mayor of Forest City officially proclaimed it “George Ledford Day” and he was feted with a celebration. When he received Medicare it was the first time he had received any government assistance. He had always made it on his own. The occasional car ride, a restaurant not charging him for his meal or other acts of human kindness was the only charity he received.
George served as Grand Marshall of the 2013 Forest City Christmas Parade.
The Florence Baptist Church was where George could be found Sunday mornings. He faithfully attended their 8:45 AM and their 11 AM services. It was on the morning of July 20, 2014 when George missed church, parishioners went to investigate and found George had passed away during the night.
He had been seen the night before at his other habitual haunt, the Forest City Owls baseball game. George was the first person to get season tickets to this collegiate baseball league team. He was well known to the players and coaches and a familiar face to all that attended their games.
Two local funeral home owners, Shane Earley of the Padgett & King Funeral Home of Forest City and Kent Dorsey of the Washburn & Dorsey Funeral Home of neighboring Bostic had discussed what they would do when George died. They had agreed to split the costs of the casket, vault and grave opening. One local florist donated a beautiful casket spray and another florist donated matching baskets. The local newspaper did not charge for the obituary. A city councilman donated a grave in Cool Springs Cemetery, located near the ball field. The local vault company upgraded the vault in order to have the Forest City Owls logo placed on the lid.
A visitation was held at the King & Padgett Funeral Home where 240 guests signed the register book. The funeral, directed by both funeral homes, was held in the Florence Baptist Church where 300 mourners took the time to be sure George was not forgotten.
The tributes around town were heartwarming. A candlelight vigil was held at the spot where George frequently sat and waved to the townspeople. Smith’s Drug Store marked his familiar seat with his oatmeal bowl and his Diet Coke cup and a photograph of George.
The Forest City Owls honored George at a game shortly after his passing.
“George had an infectious personality and never had a cross word to say, except to the umpires,” the announcer reminisced to the those in the stadium, “With the help of the Forest City Owls Booster Club and the city of Forest City, his seat will be a testament to who he was. A plaque will be attached to the back of his seat, for all of those who sit there will know they are in George’s presence; because we all know there is no way he will miss a game.”
A moment of silence was held followed by a balloon release.
George Ledford, a simple man with a pure heart filled with love for others, always brought the best out of his community and they in turn, thanked him for it.
“He appeared here one day and this became his home. This community will not be the same. I will miss my sweet George.” –Crystal Deviney, George’s longtime caretaker