Brooks Ledford

Asheville Glenn Brookshire Ledford, age 92, died peacefully in the early afternoon of March 25, 2016, with his wife of 62 years, Alma, and his daughter, Angie, by his side. He was 3 days away from his 93rd birthday. He was devoted to family and adored spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchild. He was always involved in community and civic activities. In his church of 60 years, West Asheville Baptist, he served as a deacon, an usher, a building committee member and a member of his much loved Missionary Sunday School class. As a member of the West Asheville Kiwanis Club, with 43 years of perfect attendance, he enjoyed putting flags out along Haywood Road for patriotic holidays, participating in pancake fundraisers and all club events. He was a member of the West Asheville Business Association. Brooks was respectful and kind to all and did not speak ill of others, preferring to emphasize the good in other people. He was generous, loving and patient, never complaining and always thankful and content. He took much pride in his work. Brooks was a general contractor and a Realtor, who with his partner of 65 years, brother-in-law and best friend, Joe Shoemaker, owned and operated LS&M Building Company and Allied Realty. Before settling into a career in residential development, they owned and operated a store in Madison County, three Esso service stations and a used car lot. In his work, in his service, as a friend, an employer, a parent, a grandparent, a great-grandparent, as a neighbor and in community, Brooks had a gift of touching people deeply. Brooks was born March 28, 1923, in Madison County, NC, son of Mada Chambers Ledford and Holden M. Ledford. He is survived by his wife, Alma Ertzberger Ledford, a brother, Herbert Ledford and his wife Freida of Cooleemee, NC, a daughter, Angie Cannady and her husband Brett of Asheville, a granddaughter, Lindsay Stewart and her husband Peter of Charlotte, NC, a grandson, Phillip Cannady and his wife Emily of Asheville, and a great-grandson, Pete Stewart of Charlotte, NC. In addition to his parents, Brooks was preceded in death by siblings, Louise Marshbanks, Harry Ledford, Roy Ledford, Katherine Shoemaker and James Ledford. Funeral service will be held at 3 PM Monday, March 28, 2016 in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Stan Welch officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 PM to 2:45 PM prior to services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: West Asheville Baptist Church Elevator Fund, 926 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806.