Johnny Calvin Ledwell

Johnny Ledwell was the third child of Warren and Alma Ledwell. The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Johnny is his singing talent that rarely you were allowed to hear unless you caught him off guard. He had the voice of Ottis Redding and the comedy skills of Richard Prior. Johnny was an easy going, lovable person with a great sense of humor. I believe he would rather see you laughing than anything. Johnny could come up with some of the most off the wall jokes that you could imagine.

As that middle child, a lot fell on his shoulders when it came to working on the farm. Somehow he always seems to find a way around that work ethic. We use to say he was his father's child.

Johnny had a nack of finding jobs when other people couldn't and would come home from school and announce he was going to work for a specific company. After a few weeks, he would be on someone else's payroll. His employers seem to like him and would inquire as to why he left their employment.

Johnny was not one for controversy. He would take a stand and say to you, "just let it go. Most people enjoyed being in his company due to his sense of humor.

I came home one time unexpected in my new Triumph two-seat sports car without informing our mom that I was coming. After our mom took one look at the small car, she insisted that Johnny drive me back to New Jersey. Upon leaving North Carolina, I let Johnny take the wheel. Of course, I was sleepy from visiting friends and relatives during my visit. I informed him to wake me when we entered Washington, DC, knowing he was not familiar with the area. When Johnny woke me up, we were close to the White House. He and I laughed about that drive several times. He informed me that he never wanted to ride in my car again. The Triumph was a small car for a man of his size. I truly miss his smiles and his jokes.