Arthur Dwayne Ledford, age 58, of the Cane Creek Community, passed away on January 11, 2026, after a long and complicated battle with alcoholism. His life was shaped by both struggle and heart, and the people who knew him closely understand that he carried both.
He was, at his core, a good person with a big spirit, someone who loved being outside, riding horses, going to the lake and camping. His dog, Diesel, was his constant companion and source of comfort.
Like many who face addiction, he had seasons where the disease took more from him than he could give back. Those years were difficult, and they distanced him from people he loved deeply. But he never stopped being a person capable of love, regret, humor, and hope. A handwritten note found among his things showed his desire to be remembered for who he was in his sober moments, someone trying, someone hurting, someone who wished he could’ve done better.
He will be missed, not only for the good memories but for the complicated ones too. Because they all belonged to him, and to the life he lived.
Dwayne was a Veteran of the Army and served as part of the Desert Storm Operation. He also served Mitchell County as a magistrate for twenty-four years.
He was the son of the late Arthur Ray Ledford and the late Diane Lyman Ledford.
He is survived by his son Dylan Ledford and daughter Faith Ledford, sister Pam Lawing, and niece Megan Burrows. In honor of his life, the family asks that others facing addiction seek help, extend compassion, and hold on to the possibility of healing.
A memorial service for Dwayne Ledford will be held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Roan Mountain Baptist Church in Bakersville. Pastor Russell McKinney will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until the service hour Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Celebrate Recovery. Contributions can be made to Bear Creek Church-CR, 327 Bear Creek Church Rd., Bakersville, NC 28705.
Words of comfort may be e-mailed to the family by going to the website; www.webbfh.com, selecting Arthur Dwayne Ledford’s name and then you may sign his guestbook.
Webb Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for Mr. Ledford and is honored to be serving the Ledford family
