Dewitt Malcum Ledford

GASTONIA - Dewitt Malcum Ledford, 90, died Dec. 18, 2011.

Born in Murphy, he was the son of the late John Alvin Ledford and Delmar Arp Ledford.

Mr. Ledford was a machinist with R.H. Bouligny and Westinghouse.

He served our country in the US Army in the Aleutians, Philippines and the Southern Pacific during World War II. He was a recipient of the Philippine Liberation Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, 5 Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart.

Mr. Ledford was a charter member of United Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and assisted with Bible School.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Jerry Garland Mull; brother, Alvin Ledford, Jr.; sisters, Mary Lou Walker, Flostine Davis and Willorae Ledford.

Survivors include his beloved wife of almost 64 years, Ruth Rogers Ledford; daughters and son-in-law, Karen Mull of Morganton and Linda and David Whisnant of Gastonia; grandchildren and spouses, Shelley Mull, Dr. Courtney Mull, Stuart and Katherine Mull, Cameron Mull, Karen and Jimmy Meek, Jennifer Graham, Brooke and Tobias Bem; great-grandchildren, Malcum Meek, Grant Meek, Harlie Graham and Gavin Graham; brothers and sister-in-law, K. Don Ledford of Gastonia, William Ledford of Kings Mountain and Johnny and Ann Ledford of Copperhill, TN; sisters and brother-in-law, Cuba-lee Layton of Atlanta, GA, Vaheda and Bill Pinkerton of Murphy and Vivian Campbell of Murphy; numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral service beginning 1 p.m. Thursday in the Founders Chapel of McLean Funeral Directors of Gasto-nia. The Rev. Kelly Lowe will officiate.

Burial with military honors will follow in Gaston Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Baptist Church, 1970 Lowell Bethesda Road, Gastonia, NC 28052.

Condolences may be sent online to www.mcleanfuneral.com.