Will Ledford

Following the most amazing, full and inspiring life, John William Ledford, 26, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday November 23, 2023. Will left his lifelong battle with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy and his old faithful powerchair earthside and ran into the arms of Jesus in complete healing.

Aside from Will's unwavering faith and ability to live each day fully, he loved his family fiercely. Every person had a nickname, a million funny stories and they were intentionally loved and cherished beyond belief.

His parents are Kim and Patrick Atkins, also known as Mort and Patty, and Mark and Melissa Ledford. His grandparents are Charlotte Dodson, John Dodson (Wanda) and Ray and Joy Ledford. He is the brother of Brittany Bristol, Abby Ledford, Jaxon Atkins, Katelin Ledford and Christina Morgan.

In 2006, Will became an uncle to Spane Bristol followed by Ainsley, Arlo and Lennon Bristol then Hudson, Henley and Hayden Wheeless and Everleigh Morgan.

Special uncles, aunts and cousins include Andy and Debra Dodson, Cory, Rachel, Amelia, Ben and Cooper Dodson, Dyllin, Saylor and Summer Johnson. Angie and Ray Stephens, Rachel, Tyler and Houston Hopkins, Bekah, Joseph, Cassius, Hayes and Bruin Lowe, Reagan and Walker McGowan. Darla, May and Paul Powell, Chuck Deakle and Renee and Tony Harris.

In addition to an incredible group of family he shared a 20-year friendship with his best friend Justin Gregory and although much shorter one just as important with Marquise Foy.

Wills BIG life included many things but his favorites being his love for collecting Pokemon cards, Planet Zoo and Lego building and Sims. He was the first ever Pilot For A Day at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington DC, an honorary Zookeeper for a week at the Gulf Coast Zoo (also known as The Little Zoo That Could), a Make a Wish recipient taking his girls on an 8-day trip of a lifetime, an MDA Ambassador, a participant in a clinical trial to eventually assist others with DMD and he was even the Grand Marshall of the local Lawn Mower Racing Association. Following 10 plus cruises Will was a Gold Carnival Cardholder and had visited many islands and foreign countries. He snorkeled with barracuda, swam with dolphins and floated the blue waters of the Caribbean. Will was an avid TN Vols fan and a football stats genius. After being a lifelong resident of Tennessee, he enjoyed becoming a Louisiana resident and created many incredible friendships over crawfish boils and gumbo.

We would be so grateful for your attendance at the Celebration of Life to begin promptly at 3pm on Tuesday, November 28th at The Barn at Drewia Hill in Sale Creek, TN. We also invite you to share in coffee, cookies, cupcakes and fellowship afterwards. Come warm and comfy and spend this special time with us.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Spane Bristol, Jaxon Atkins, Justin Gregory, Marquise Foy, Cory Dodson, Joseph Lowe, Tyler Hopkins and Walker McGowan.

Plants are graciously accepted (we love Isbill Florist) and if you would like to donate in honor of Will, please consider the Gulf Coast Zoo or Wheels for Will in c/o our family, to assist in the donation of Will's van to a family in need.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Will or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist Will's family with these arrangements.