William Don Ledford, 84, a resident of Benton, TN passed away February 5, 2026 at home, supported strongly and lovingly by his wife, Wilby, his children, grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He was a member, deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Benton First Baptist Church where he was active since 1964.

Don graduated from Bradley Central High School in 1959 where he was class representative. He graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture/Horticulture in 1963, and later earned a Master's Degree in Agriculture Extension in 1969. Don was also an honorary member of Alpha Zeta Agricultural Fraternity.

Several of Don's accomplishments in Polk County included organizing the first Fair & Fair Association in 1971, promoting and growing both the Ramp Tramp and 4-H Club on a much larger scale, as well as starting many Garden & Community Clubs throughout the county. In addition to his job requirements, he was a member of the Ruritan Club, Polk County Livestock Association, Tennessee County Agents Association, and served in outreach and visitation at Benton First Baptist Church. In 2000, after serving 36 years in Polk County, Don retired from the UT Agriculture Extension Service, thus ending his very meaningful service to the people and families of Polk County, whom he loved.

Don was an Army Veteran who served six years in the National Guard. His hobbies included activities with his own kids and many of the kids of Polk County through 4-H clubs, sports, and coaching, including starting the Junior Pro Basketball League in the area. His greatest love, after his Lord Jesus and family, was obvious to all who knew him-animals, crops, all aspects of farming, and the farmers who operated them. His passion for animals began in his childhood as he enjoyed raising beef cattle, bantam chickens, pigeons, peafowl, ducks, geese, pheasants, quail, canaries, turkeys and parakeets. He also enjoyed raising dogs, with his favorites being collies, beagles and other hunting dogs.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Lauderdale Ledford and John Robert Ledford, half-sister Joyce Kibler of Cleveland, TN, and half-brother Dudley McDonald of Carrolton, GA. He was raised as a child by two wonderful Aunts, Retha Ledford Vassey (Edwin) and Lillian Ledford Haven (Jack).

Don is survived by Wilby Lively Ledford of Benton, TN, his devoted wife of 62 years, two sons (first was stillborn) William John Ledford (Zina) of Ooltewah, TN, daughter Jada Ledford Daves (Kevin) of Ooltewah, TN, grandchildren Hannah Ledford (Nate Ferrell), Shayli Daves, Sharayah Daves, Shanel Daves, Shaw Daves, and Shafer Daves, one great grandchild, Walker James Ferrell, nephew Slade Scoggins, and niece Marissa Scoggins Elmore (Franklin).

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Benton, 2498 Parksville Rd., Benton, TN 37307, with Dr. Robbie Speights and Rev. W.J. Ledford officiating.

A graveside committal service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens, with a white dove release ceremony concluding the service.  Pallbearers are Bill Womac, Nate Ferrell, Kevin Daves, Shaw Daves, Shafer Daves, and Slade Scoggins. Honorary Pallbearers are Doyle Housley, Curtis Loveday, Jack Easterly, Jerry Witt, Gene Phillips and the Deacons of Benton First Baptist Church.

His family will receive friends from 12:00 (noon) to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Children's Organ Transplant Association in honor of Shafer Daves, Don's grandson, at https://cota.org/cotaforshaferd. All contributions will assist with Shafer's ongoing kidney transplant-related expenses.

The family wants to truly express their sincere thanks to all the loving caregivers from Caris Hospice, as well as Darlene Krohe and special friend Kathleen Silvers.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFunerals.com .

Higgins Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.