Jessie J. Ledbetter

Jessie J. Ledbetter, age 88, of Arkadelphia, passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at his home. He was born on February 5, 1929 in Hopper, the son of Francis Harrison Ledbetter and Ava Duke Ledbetter. On November 24, 1955, he was married to Marjorie Becker Ledbetter, who preceded him in death on January 12, 2009. He was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Marsha Ledbetter; an infant grandson; and seven siblings, Lloyd Ledbetter, Velma Laasch, Vela Pounds, Vernice O'Neal, Clifton Ledbetter, Doyce Ledbetter and Gerald Ledbetter. Mr. Ledbetter was a retired butcher for Piggly Wiggly and Affiliated Foods grocery stores. His career found him being transferred to many different locations and helping new stores getting started with their meat markets; it was a work which he thoroughly enjoyed. He served in the United States Air Force with tours in Korea and Japan. He was a member of the First United Pentecostal Church of Arkadelphia. He is survived by three children and their spouses, Gary and Karla Ledbetter of Glenwood, Brenda and Alvin Moss of Arkadelphia and Karen and Danny Gibson of Chattanooga, Tennessee; eight grandchildren, Amanda Moss, Justin Moss, Kayla Culberson, Britain Ledbetter, Jessica Eubanks, Whitney Robinson, Kati Gibson and Ian Gibson; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lonetta Lock of Glenwood and Christine Herrin of Curtis; several nieces and nephews; his caregiver who was much like a daughter to him, Malenia Derry of Arkadelphia; and three special adopted grandchildren, Michael and Crystal Washington and Stanley Starks. Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 15, 2017, in the First United Pentecostal Church of Arkadelphia with Bro. Richard Price and Bro. Gary Taylor officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, 10:00 AM until service time, at the church. Interment will be in Mount Tabor Cemetery near Glenwood under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood. Pallbearers will be Justin Moss, Kelsey Moss, Zane Moss, Britain Ledbetter, David Culberson and Justin Eubanks. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.