George Wilburn Ledford

Asheville- George Wilburn Ledford, a true southern gentleman blessed with 99 years of a wonderful and full life, passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2021.

George was born June 19, 1922 in Haywood County to the late Thomas Reed Ledford and the late Laura Anson Ledford. He attended Sandhill High School and continued his education at Cecil’s Business College in Asheville.  He began his professional vocation with the Bank of Asheville and as our nation was entering into World War II George placed his banking career on hold to honorably serve his country in the United States Army.  His military duty in the Pacific had him stationed in the Philippines where he served until the conclusion of the war. Being given an opportunity to travel while on military leave, George fell in love with the beautiful country of Australia. On April 5, 1957 George married the love of his life, Pauline “Polly” Stines, and in keeping with George’s passion for golf they attended the Masters Golf Tournament on their honeymoon.  Also, during their marriage, he was blessed to travel again to Australia twice with his wife and make wonderful new memories to treasure forever.  During his later years golfing continued to be an important part of George’s life and he was often recruited by friends to spend the day on the golf course. He participated in golf tournaments from Virginia to Florida and was awarded several amateur trophies. He continued to be an active golfer into his mid 90’s and played often at the Grove Park Inn Golf Course in Asheville.  George Wilburn Ledford will be remembered as a well-respected gentleman that loved his family and served his country with great honor.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline “Polly" Stines Ledford; his sisters, Evelyn Blalock, and Virginia Padgett; and a brother, Tom Ledford, Jr. 

Surviving are his four nieces, Ann Smathers of Canton, NC, Gail Padgett of Frederick, MD, Cassandra Milstead of New Orleans, LA, and Sonya Batrez of Charlotte, NC; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, and many friends that he worked with throughout the years.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Lewis Memorial Park in Asheville, NC.

Cards and condolences may be sent to Ann Smathers, 34 Trammel Avenue, Canton, NC 28716.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to be caring for the Ledford family.