Phillip Paul Ledford

Phillip "Paul" Ledford, 88, of Piney Flats, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Paul was born on March 24, 1938, in McVeigh, Kentucky, to the late Donald Talmadge Ledford and Vivian Dellinger Ledford. During his childhood, his family moved between Kentucky and Johnson City, Tennessee. After attending Belfry High School, Paul proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served honorably from 1955 until 1963.

During his naval service, Paul was stationed aboard a destroyer as a gunner and played a role in two pivotal events in American history: the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He carried great pride in his military service and the opportunity to serve his country during a critical period of the Cold War.

Following his military service, Paul began a career as a machinist with Raytheon Corporation, where he dedicated nearly 30 years of service before retiring in 1998.

Paul was a man of many passions. An avid fisherman, he was instrumental in bringing competitive bass fishing to East Tennessee, organizing the region's first bass fishing tournament in 1972. He also enjoyed gardening and was known for cultivating beautiful flowers and plants, though his greatest pride was his heirloom tomatoes. Whether on the water, in the garden, or sharing stories with friends, Paul had a gift for bringing people together. He never met a stranger and maintained a wide circle of friends throughout his life, enjoying an active and vibrant social life.

Above all else, Paul was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He cherished every moment spent with his family, and his love, guidance, and sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by ten siblings.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Angie (Mark) Rice; his son, Phil (Katie) Ledford; his grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Court) Reeves, Taylor (Zach) Murphree, Rebekah (Briley) Townsend, Meredith Rice, and Mollie Ledford; his great-grandson, Harry Reeves; his brothers, Rev. Alan Ledford and Dennis (Donna) Ledford; his sister, Emma Spivey; and special friends, John Davis and Dean France.

Paul's legacy of service, friendship, and unwavering love for his family will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Paul's family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow. A committal service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Mountain Home National Cemetery in the Historic Section.

Pallbearers will be Dean France, Court Reeves, Zach Murphree, Briley Townsend, Ethan Thompson, and John Davis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Ledford family. (423) 282-1521.