Robert Lee "Bob" Ledford
May 22, 1932 ~ May 20, 2017
Resided in:
Arden, NC
ROBERT LEE "BOB" LEDFORD
Robert Lee Ledford (Bob) passed away Saturday, May 20, 2017 at the age of 84 at his home in Arden, North Carolina. Bob was born May 22, 1932 to Mildred Ray Ledford and Oscar Horace Ledford in Barnardsville, North Carolina. He was the second oldest of eight children. He was a dedicated father, grandfather, and entrepreneur who had a great passion for life and people.
Bob met his beautiful bride, Joan Revis Ledford, in high school in Weaverville, North Carolina. They married in June of 1951 in the Weaverville Presbyterian Church. In 1952, Bob obtained his dealer's license and began a long career in auto and RV sales. He owned and managed Bob Ledford's RV and other dealerships for more than 40 years in the Asheville area. Bob was also actively involved with his son at Bob Ledford's RV & Marine in Greer, South Carolina. He was a member of Arden Presbyterian Church. He loved his farm in Avery's Creek but his passion was sales. His outgoing personality and love for life will be missed by all. Bob will be remembered for his TV commercials, the Saturday Night Jamboree TV Show, his slogan: "Let's Make a Deal", his famous golf cart greetings and Bobs Sweet Stripes soft peppermint candies.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Joan Ledford of Arden; son, David Ledford of Inman, SC; daughter, Jennifer Ledford Cox of Charlotte; grandchildren, Autumn Ledford of Greer, SC, Kelby Ledford of Boston, MA, Bradley Ledford of Arden, Samuel Cox of Charlotte and Isaac Cox of Charlotte; great grandchildren, Eli Ledford of Asheville and Ivy Ledford of Greer. Bob is also survived by his sisters, Irene Gentry of Durham, Nell Vea of Charlotte, Ossie English of Mars Hill, Grace Sandall of New Zealand and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his son, Robert Lee Ledford, Jr.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 4 pm at Arden Presbyterian Church, 2215 Hendersonville Road, Arden, NC, with Reverend Ken Crabb officiating. The family will greet friends and associates at the church following the service. A private burial will be held at Shepherd Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bob's honor to either Arden Presbyterian Church Missions Faith Promise (ardenpres.org) or to Eliada Children's Home (eliada.org), both of which he supported for many years. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
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Bob and my dad, Frank Smith , were great friends. Bob’s show on TV back in the 50’s gave away 2 miniature T- models cars with gasoline powered engines and my dad won one for our family. Can’t imagine how many miles that little car had on it as we rode it around our yard for many years. Then the grandchildren rode as we did and now it belongs to my brother’s son, Cory Smith. May God’s peace flow over the family. I can imagine dad and Bod talking about transportation on the streets of heaven.
RIP Bob
He gave me my first job in 1963
My heart goes out to Joan and the family in this time of great sorrow. I know he will be greatly missed.
Bob and my late father-in-law Jim Harrin were friends and businessmen and both widely known in the Western Carolina area and beyond. Bob sponsored some of the promotional events held at the Asheville Motor Speedway known as Carrier Park today and I believe he even bought a few tires for struggling racers at the track. That was a long time ago when the New Asheville Speedway was owned and operated by Jim and Catherine Harrin and the local culture in Asheville was rich with mountain values. They’re all gone now but certainly not forgotten by those who knew and loved them. Sadly, we’re witnessing our mountain heritage leaving us in the mountains of Asheville with the passing of folk like them.
God’s speed Bob and our deepest condolences to your friends and family members who’re coping with the painful loss of your physical presence as you’ve at last joined the innumerable throng of souls who’ve embarked upon their last journey and departed this life to enter the uncharted realms of eternity.
So sorry to hear this. He was a very nice and gentle man. Prayers for you Jenny and family!!!!!❤!
We’ve lost a local icon, that’s for sure. I feel like a piece of Asheville is gone.
40+ years ago my father took me to the sales lot on Leicester Highway, and I remember Mr. Ledford gave me a quarter — that made quite the impression on this little girl. Prayers for the family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family
It was always a joy to talk to Bob bought a car from him years ago when he was in Asheville. He will be missed by many. Prayers for the family
Bob was a great guy and a close friend of my Dad’s. Rest in Piece
The Jolly Family
Bob and my dad were friends until my dad passed I remember going to his car lot on cox ave when I was a little girl when I grew up and married we bought our first car from him and several more thru the years He was a great man and I know he and my dad will see each other in heaven my prayers go out to the family He was a fine man
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a legend to all who knew him. May he rest in peace
Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.. God bless Joan and all your family. Leonard Holder,Greensboro NC
Bob was not only a good friend, but a great guy to everyone he met and always had a joke about something.. He will be missed.. He also helped a lot of people and didn’t ask anything in return. Rest in Peace my friend and prayers for family.
In the school year 1967-68 both of the Ledford boys, Bobby and David rode my school bus #161. One morning at the start of the school year when I stopped to pick up the Ledford boys, Bob jumped up on the front step and said, ‘ if either of these boys give you any trouble, you let me know.’ Always remembered that and as a 17 year old high school senior trying to make a buck, his down home honesty and integrity made quite an impression on me. Just a good fine man.
bough my first car from him 1957 chevy in 1964 one of the best salesman I have ever met you will be missed by all
Will always remember Bob Ledford, as car sellsman and the many times
Of meeting and seeing him at the Antique Car shows with my dad, Bill Allen and uncle Bob Allen at The Land Of The Sky Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America showes! Especially those held at Memorial
Stadium and on The Biltmore Estate! Thank you for the GREAT memories!
Charles Allen
Condolences from the Hipshire family. We remember Bob from our Childhood Days and going to Lake James and jumping off of the top of his boat house. He had as much fun as the kids did, he will be missed.
So sorry to hear Mr. Ledford’s passing seen him at the last RV show at the ag center sitting talking to everyone handing out his candy with a smile. Prayers to the family as they have to face loosing a loved family member I will remember this man as a fun person to speak with and his woo-hoo sounds.
DAVID and the rest of the LEDFORD family so so sorry for your loss, goodness he will he be greatly MISSED!! He was loved by so many people!! A SPECIAL PERSON FOR SURE!! Bought so many cars and RV from him!!
my dad would buy most of his cars from bob.. while dad was buying , I would run around bob’s office on cox avenue. I was 8 years old at the time, my dad built a friendship with bob. I m now 66 years old. I will never forget bob.
Sorry for your loss. I remember his ads so well as a kid. Thoughts are with you all.
My husband , Gil, and I bought a camper that had been used as an office at his business on Patton Avenue. We enjoyed meeting and dealing with him. May God be with his family.
Saw Bob at a gas station in Greer SC last summer . I remembered him from Asheville, it was nice talking to him
Our prayers for the family, My mother went to school with him in
Barnardsville, NC and spoke of him many times. She was Frances Allen from Barnardsville, NC
Sorry to hear this. I went to school with David. My dad bought cars from him.
End of an era for sure. Grew up on Bob and WLOS. Eternal peace, Bob. You left your mark. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Bob is now cruising down the streets of Gold in a real creme puff, with white ‘tars’. Seriously, he was a part of my childhood. My condolences to his family.
Bob is now cruising down the streets of Gold in a real creme puff, with white wall’tars’. Seriously, he was a part of my childhood. My condolences to his family.
Bob was an icon here in Asheville for years. I can still hear him saying ‘Let’s
male a deal!’ I worked with David at a motorcycle shop in the early 70’s. Bob will be sorely missed.
The Eliada Family was terribly saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Bob was one of the brightest business leaders, and most memorable TV faces. He was also incredibly generous to Eliada and other non-profits. Our children and staff are holding his family in the light.
Bob Ledford was ONE of a kind!! His sharp wit and keen business sense made him a local legend here in Asheville. He will be greatly missed. Sincere sympathy is extended to his dear family.
My grandmother bought many cars and campers from Bob! He was and will always be an Asheville icon. I am so sorry to hear of his passing with as someone said, ‘He is rollin down the street of gold in the latest and best cream puff he can drive.’ Peace and Grace surround his family at this time of sorrow in their lives. May God be with you…..
Even though I never actually knew Mr. ‘Bob’, I felt like I did watching him on TV selling his autos and RVs, along with his talent show.. He truly was a mans man it seemed, and I know he will be missed. I do know David, and the apple did not fall far from the tree!! Our hearts go out to the entire Ledford family.
He bought many a Girl Scout cookie from me and my sister v we phenomenon we were growing up. Growing up in Asheville, he was a living legend for us. Prayers for his family. Frances Layton Turpin
Great memories of Bob and all the Ledfords. Horseback riding, snow mobile races, riding in the Vette! God bless you all.
Bob rest in piece, thanks for all of the cars ,uwere a good man ,.Danny Ogle
My family bought many a car from Bob on Coxe Avenue and my first car a 66 Galaxie that I made a deal on, and Bob probably lost money on because he felt sorry for me!! An honest car salesman what a concept!!!
Worked for Bob in the early 80’s at the RV lot. He was a wonderful man and the smartest businessman I ever met. Condolences to the family during this time of sadness.
I had the privilege of growing up, living next to the Ledford’s and that time will forever be a part of me. From playing in the barn and woods, jumping on the trampoline, going for ice cream at Arcadia Soda Shop, and many more, they were simply some of the best times of my life. My prayers are with Joan, David, Jenny and the rest of the family. I pray God will comfort and keep you all in these difficult times. Much love….
David, sincere condolences on the passing of your father.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Jenny.
My condolences to the Ledford family. May God comfort you in your time of bereavement. I remember Bod Ledford as an outstanding man of character and he could sell you the Brooklyn bridge. I remember in 1975, I wanted to take my ailing Mother-in-Law to Orlando, Florida and she needed to travel in comfort. Bob rented me a Winnebago type vehicle for just $100 dollars so that my Mother-in-Law would be comfortable down and back. Thank you, Mr Ledford!
Jenny so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Seems like it’s been so long ago but then it feels like yesterday that you, me Lisa Boring and Susie Queen were running around Valley Springs and didn’t have a card in the world.
Praying for you and your family.
My condolences to the Ledford family.
Our sincere condolences to the Ledford Family in their loss. Many fond memories of our times at Arden Presbyterian. Jeanne and Tom Aardema.
Rest in peace Bob you and your family are fine people My parents bought cars from you. God Bless you and your family during this time of sadness
David an rest of the family so sorry for your loss .I have know Bob. Along time my dad bought lot of cars from him .I got a camper from him .Will have you in my prayers .
Thinking of the Ledford family and the many days I spent at the house in my youth hanging out with Bobby. Mrs. Ledford is a special woman and someone I have always admired and loved. Mr. Ledford was a true local legend and quite the character! I last saw him at the Ingles gas station on Hendersonville Road within the last year. He came over and greeted me and handed me a fistful of peppermint candy and asked me if I wanted an RV if it was free. He then proceeded to explain to me how the numbers worked out to make it ‘free’. Always the consumate salesman, he will be greatly missed.
Thinking of all the family and friends. I worked at the Leicester Hwy RV lot for 13 years. Mr Ledford was a good boss and gave credit where credit was due. He had a very tender heart towards anybody that was down and out. He worked hard and expected it out of all the employee’s. I am very thankful to have worked there and for the memories I have of all the family, he loved so much. He was so proud of his family. Praying for all of you.
Bob sure left a legacy! He has touched many lives over the years. I worked for David for some time. The whole Ledford family is an inspiration.
Our love and condolences to the Ledford Family.
RIP you will be missed.
Our prayers are with the Ledford family, Mr.Bob will surely be missed!
CONDOLENCES
The Morris Hensley Family
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU
Boyd & Theresa Burleson
We send our prayers to Joan, David, Jenny and the family. Bob was an inspiration to be around. He was one of the most optomistic persons in the world. I’ll never forget him talking about ‘if’ he ever didn’t have a job, he would find a job doing something, no matter what, and he would be the best employee they ever had. He gave life his all. What a guy!
Love you Joan . . .
So sorry for the loss of your Dad Dave…Sincerely…Paul and Linda…
The Candy Man will sorely be missed. He had the best ‘Holler’ from his golf cart, he used it to liven up the mood wherever he was. He always greeted everyone with a warm smile. Made time for all that came to visit with him. He was involved, active, working to the last day I saw him at the most recent open house. He is survived by his incredible family that I am sure he couldn’t be more proud of. God Bless Bob and his family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Stephen and Janice DesRoches on behalf of the South Carolina Hang Gliding Association.
DEAR JOAN & FAMILY,
ROBERT WAS ONE OF A KIND AND A GOOD FRIEND. WE ALL ARE GOING TO MISS HIM BUT I KNOW WHERE HE HAS GONE. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND MAY GOD’S GRACE CARRY YOU IN THIS TIME OF NEED. MAC
Dear Joan & family, We are sorry for your loss and that we can’t attend Uncle Bob’s funeral. Our hearts go out to each of you. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
The industry lost two RV giants in the last year. Bob joins Wray Frazier as remembered pioneers to the industry of RV sales. Bob always treated me, as a manufacturer’s representative, with kindness and respect. The industry will miss him. I’ll remember Bob and his family in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob will be missed by the masses of all of those that he has affected with his courageous and great spirit. His positive nature will be observed forever. My love to his family because I know he will be missed. We love you Bob.
Bob will be sorely missed. I remember the first time I ever stepped foot on adventure Motorhomes property. Bob greeted me and handed me some mints and a post card as I exited my car to head up for my job interview. He always had kind words for ever person he came across and I never once heard him say anything negative. I remember Bob coming to the dealership every Tuesday to cut grass and run the weed eater and Saturday’s to greet customers. He could work circles around men half his age. Saturday’s will never be the same without him and there will always be a small piece missing at the dealership. You will always be in our hearts and prayers.
Godspeed Bob. You friendly smile will be sorely missed at the dealership. I’m sure you will leave a trail of peppermint wherever you go. Sore high buddy!
I first met Bob in 1995 on the lot in Leicester my first cousin Chris was the sales manager and wanted me to try campers and boat sales (I was selling Kirby vacuums door to door)so in January of the next year I started with Bobs family’s business.I have been blessed ever since.He always had a smile and so many stories he could really light up any place he walked into and usually did it with a big wooooooo!He had a love for people but especially for children and giving candy was something he absolutely loved.I have so many memories that I will cherish of Bob he always made us laugh and when he passed was the first time he made me cry because I will miss him. With God and family and friends is where he is now most likely giving out bobs peppermints to all.Its been my honor to work with him .My prayers go to the family.He was a good man.
May Prayers and Thoughts be with you
I was a newcomer to the family and Bob and Joan accepted me into the family and I felt welcome, I felt loved.
I am grateful for the moments I have spent with Bob and family. Bob and I were able to share some precious moments, talking about all kinds of things, because he could hear my tone of voice when sometimes he couldn’t hear others.
I watched his excitement and enthusiasm (and it’s contagious) as he joined us at the dealership on Saturday mornings and made his rounds on a golf cart to share his special candies and laughter with customers and employees alike; Saturdays he rarely missed. It was so fun see him there!
I learned early on that he was a really good man, loved by a wonderful family and a gracious son, whom I am lucky enough to share my love and life. I learned of his kindness, caring, love and devotion for work and family.
I love him and he will be in my heart forever!
It’s always hard to loose a loved one. Bob will be truly missed. Loved to watch him interact with all the customers, especially the kids. He always wanted to trade a camper for my younger kids. My prayers are with all family.
As a small child, one of the first TV commercials that I could associate with an actual real person was Bob’s cars. The very first time after seeing the commercial then going up Leicester Hwy to go to my Grandparents house, I told my grandfather that that was the man from TV. I never got to meet Mr. Ledford but he left a lasting impression on this gal for many years to come. In fact I bought my first vehicle as an adult from his used car lot.My prayers and condolences go out to his family.
I think we can all learn something from Bob Ledford, as he showed us all how to truly live life to the fullest. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
RIP BOB.
I ONCE BOUGHT A CAR FROM HIM. I SAVED MY MONEY FOR A LONG TIME AND PAID CASH FOR A 1962 CORVAIR SOURCE BACK IN THE 60’S.
RIP BOB.
I ONCE BOUGHT A CAR FROM HIM. I SAVED MY MONEY FOR A LONG TIME AND PAID CASH FOR A 1962 CORVAIR Spider BACK IN THE 60’S.
My thoughts and prayers go to the family. I was in auto business also and would do business with Bob on occasions. It was always a pleasure to see Bob and do business with Bob.
Growing up Bob Ledford was just a part of my life. It wasn’t just the commercials on TV, Bob and Joan were our neighbors and I rode the bus with Jenny. I was talking to my father this morning. He said in 1950 he drove the Colonial Bread truck and Bob drove the Coca-Cola truck. They would meet at a little store and have lunch together. Bob would supply the Coke’s and my dad would provide the bread for bologna sandwiches and a cinnamon bun. Bob was always a friend. Our hearts are with Joan and the kids. Love and prayers.
Our condolences to the Ledford family. We are grateful for the moments we spent with Bob and the wonderful son Bob and Joan raised who today is our best friend, Dave.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May peace be with you all. With deepest sympathy.