Warren Ledwell

To start with Warren was the youngest son of Oscar and Wincey Ledwell. That along may start an entire conversation about the man he grew to be. Or I could start by telling you about some of the information that was shared by his baby sister, Annie Spinks. Often when speaking with Aunt Annie, we would get into a conversation about my father. Right off the bat, she would state that he was spoiled even as a child. I believe she was also a part of spoiling her older brother.

As I grew up into adulthood and look back on my relationship with my father, I do have some good memories in the role he played in my life. First, I must admit I was not his favorite child. I was known to challenge my father when I felt he was in the wrong. My brothers and sister would go along with dad on whatever he was presenting. It also helped that my father would always tell my mom that he would raise the other five siblings and that I was all her's.

I recall now some of the positive influences my dad had on my life. He taught me to take a stand when I knew I was right. One of his words that resonate with me even to today is, never allow yourself to be looked down upon and always look a person in the eye. I had the first-hand experience with my dad not backing down when I was sent running from a local store after dropping my nickel or dime in an ice cream box and ordered out of the store. I ran to my dad in tears and explained what had happened. He took me by the hand and marched me back into the store. Dad went directly to the ice cream box and started pushing it toward the door. The owner's son came running and wanted to know what he was doing. My dad looked him in the eye and stated, "my daughter dropped her money in this box," she either gets her money back or I take the box. This incident did take place at a white business. Immediately, the owner said for me to get my ice cream. In walking back with my dad, he stated you never walk away when you are right and never let them see you cry. There were more episodes of my father denying the odds but stood firm with other incidents here in Randolph county including supporting those that fought for their civil rights. I became his business manager, and he became one of my biggest supporters.