A memorial service was held on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center to honor former Vice Chief Bill Ledford who passed away on Monday, Oct. 28. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather photos)
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
A man remembered for his ever-present smile, compassion and ability to get things done was remembered at a memorial service this weekend. Former Vice Chief Bill Ledford passed away on Monday, Oct. 28, and he has honored and remembered at a memorial service at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Former Tribal Council Chairman Bob Blankenship presents an Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tribal flag to Ethan Ledford, Vice Chief Ledford’s son, in recognition of the Vice Chief’s service to the Tribe.
“Vice Chief Ledford was a dear friend of mine,” said Principal Chief Michell Hicks. “He was a good man. He was an honest man. He was a hard worker and probably the neatest and most organized person I’ve ever been around.”
Chief Hicks continued, “There was never a question about what his priority was; it was about helping people. He set the right example for us…I don’t know if I’ve ever met a nicer person than Vice Chief Ledford. We’ve all lost a great friend here.”
As Vice Chief Ledford was a U.S. Army veteran, the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 Color Guard performed a flag and gun salute ceremony in his honor.
Post 143 Commander Lew Harding presents a flag to April Ledford, the widow of Vice Chief Bill Ledford, at a memorial service honoring Ledford held on Saturday, Nov. 2 as Post 143 service officer Warren Dupree (left) looks on.
“Vice Chief Bill Ledford was our brother as well as our comrade,” said Lew Harding, Post 143 Commander. “For his service to his country, we honor him today. He was a kind and caring man. The world is a better place because of him.”
Commander Harding and Warren Dupree, Post 143 service officer, presented a U.S. flag to Vice Chief Ledford’s widow, April Ledford.
“We are here today to honor this brother who has faithfully service his country,” said Commander Harding.
Ray Kinsland, who related that his family and Vice Chief Ledford’s family have known each other and worked together for more than five generations, commented, “We thank the Lord for giving Bill 82 years. He put a lot into those 82 years.”
He added, “Chief Dugan said that Bill was the most pleasant person she had ever known. When you’re dealing with the public, it is hard not to make people mad, but Bill always asked people to have patience.”
Post 143 service officer Warren Dupree plays “Taps” to honor Vice Chief Ledford’s military service.
And, Vice Chief Ledford worked with the public for many years. He served as the Birdtown Representative for four terms (1967-69, 1969-71, 1973-75, 1981-83) and Vice Chief for two terms (1987-91, 1995-99). Former Tribal Council Chairman Bob Blankenship presented an Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians flag to Ethan Ledford, Vice Chief Ledford’s son, in recognition of the Vice Chief’s service to the Tribe.
“He took his responsibilities very seriously, but he didn’t take himself too seriously,” noted Kinsland.
