Melvin D. Ledford, 85, of the Fork Mountain Community, passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at Mission Hospital in Asheville .

He was the son of the late Rev. Floyd and Maggie Hobson Ledford. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Earnest Ledford.

Melvin was a US Navy veteran and attended Bethlehem Baptist Church , and was a member of the Fork Mtn. Fire Department. He loved making a garden and doing yard work. He had worked for Air Preheater and Bethlehem Steel in Maryland. He was very active up until his death.

Melvin is survived by brothers: G.C. Ledford of Bakersville, Paul Ledford of Unicoi , TN ; sister, Madeline Driver of Mount Airy , MD ; three nephews and one niece.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Friday, December 2, 2016 in the chapel of Henline-Hughes Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:30 till 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in the Hobson Cemetery .

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church , c/o Cecil Hobson, 10774 Hwy 226N, Bakersville , NC 28705 .