Samuel Raymond Ledford Sr.

Samuel Raymond Ledford Sr., 89, of Cleveland, entered his heavenly home on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022.

He was a retired educator with Bradley County Schools, having served at Michigan Avenue Elementary and Trewhitt Junior High as principal and a basketball coach. He earned a reputation as an excellent coach and was inducted into the Bradley County Old Timers Hall of Fame.

Before becoming an educator, he also served in the U.S. Navy, gaining distinction as a skilled helmsman during the Korean War.

He was an avid fan of U.T. sports, especially the Lady Vols, and he had a lifelong love of fishing. Samuel received his bachelor's from Tennessee Wesleyan and his master's and educational specialist from MTSU.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Ledford and Cecil Roberson Ledford; his brothers: Billy (Catfish) Ledford and Jack Ledford; and daughter-in-law, Helen Guillén Ledford.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 62 years, Wilma Ledford; his sons: Ray (Helen) Ledford, Scott (Penny) Ledford and Mike (Tracy) Ledford; grandchildren: Adam, Ty, Chase, Caleb, Katie, Hannah, and Scott; and 25 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m., today  at Candies Creek Baptist Church.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, Jan . 20, 2022,  at 2  p.m., with visitation from 12 to  2 p.m. at Candies Creek Baptist Church. Pastor Johnathan Kyle and Pastor Stan Gibson will officiate. Burial will be held at Candies Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.