Orville Raymond Ledford, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Smithfield, VA, on February 28, 2024.

Son of Angela Louise Clubb Ledford and Orville Raymond Ledford, Sr., Ray was born December 17, 1938, in Leslie, West Virginia. He graduated from Nuttall High School and later entered the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company Apprentice School. Ray was an early graduate of the 1962 class. He worked for the shipyard for 45 years as a master shipbuilder.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Shirley Martin, brother-in-law Kirk Martin, and niece Deborah Martin Wallace. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret Ellis Blount Ledford; their children: Allen Ledford of Hampton, VA, and wife Emily, Cindy Figueroa of Schoolcraft, MI and husband James, Michael Ledford of Newport News, VA, and Wendy; four grandchildren: Nico Figueroa and wife Sarah, Gracie Figueroa and Alex Zenni, Isa O’Mara and husband Chris, Triston Ledford and one great-grandchild Lío Figueroa as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

While we lost our beloved husband and dad, many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He was important to many, had a witty, sarcastic sense of humor, and could sometimes even be a glorious pain in the neck. Ray was a deeply loved husband, father, Paw Paw, brother, uncle, cousin, coach, golf buddy, and friend. His passing was sudden and peaceful, just as he always hoped it would be.

Those who knew him best are aware that aside from family, his greatest passion was golf. He loved the links and traveled the country in pursuit of his next birdie.

Ray was a faithful member of Bacon’s Castle Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of Gideon Bibles in his memory.

A visitation will be held at Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 6–7:30 pm, followed by the funeral service on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at noon. All are welcome to join us following the graveside service at 2 pm to celebrate Ray’s life at Todd’s Lane Bible Church, 1457 Todd’s Lane in Hampton. Our family looks forward to hearing about your special memories with Ray. His wish was that we laugh, reminisce, and smile together during this time.