Bill Ledford, 82, of Cherokee, and former Tribal leader of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, passed away on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013 in Chapel Hill.
He is survived by his wife April Ledford, of Chapel Hill; four sons, William of Albequerque, NM, Gary, Ethan, and Mike, of Cherokee; one daughter, Katina Price, of Franklin; two sisters, Jean O’kelly and Jan Walkingstick Mehaffey, of Cherokee; 17 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Ledford Walkingstick; maternal grandparents, Riley and Polly Ledford; two brothers Max Ledford and Wayne Walkingstick; one sister, Ernestine Walkingstick.
Bill served the Eastern Band of the Cherokee for more than 25 years. As Vice Chief he served from 1995 to 1999. Earlier, he served a short term as Vice Chief in 1987-91. Bill also served as a Birdtown Representative on Tribal Council for eight years (1967-69, 1969-71, 1973-75, 1981-83).
Bill Also served his country by joining the Army and serving during the Korean War.
A memorial service was held on Sat. Nov. 2 at 4pm at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center located within the Cherokee Central School building along Big Cove Rd. in Cherokee.