Jimmy F. Ledbetter

Jimmy F. Ledbetter,79, died Thursday, November 20, 2025, at his home.

Jimmy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt. He often told stories of the enjoyment he got from simply being in the woods. He was an accomplished mechanic, craftsman, electrician, and jack-of-all-trades. He loved helping others and was often involved in some random project to help a friend in need. He was a social person who loved to visit. He had a joke for every situation. The only thing he liked better than a good joke was a bad one. Everyone will remember his laughter, usually accompanied by outrageous hand gestures if he found something really funny. He taught his nieces to call him Crazy Uncle Jim, and they continued that into adulthood.

Jimmy was proud to be a veteran of the US Navy. He worked at various jobs, including cleaning carpets, driving a truck, and working as a machinist.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Ledbetter Sr. and Betty Wells Ledbetter, and one brother, Raymond Ledbetter Jr.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Opal Porter Ledbetter, two sons, Joey Ledbetter (Cindy) of Stuttgart and Jimmy Lee Ledbetter (Deana) of Pine Bluff, five grandchildren, Steven Ledbetter (John), Kalyn Lehman (Eric), Raye Ann Ledbetter (Seth), Sarah Ledbetter, and Joel Ledbetter, one sister, Wendy Ledbetter of Gurdon, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Smith Family Funeral Home, Ruggles Wilcox Chapel. The family will receive friends immediately after the service at New South Fork Baptist Church, 369 South Fork Road, Gurdon. Honorary Pallbearers will be Danny McDaniel, Johnathan Weems, Glenn Fite, Dickie Don Clark, Billy Myers and Grant Gatliff.

In lieu of flowers, Jimmy would have preferred donations be made to the charity of one's choice. 

Arrangements by Smith Family Funeral Home-Ruggles Wilcox Chapel, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas.  www.smithfamilycares.com