Dr. Thomas Allen Ledbetter

Dr. Thomas Allen Ledbetter, 82, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Friday, December 17, 2021, at his home.

Born in Sylva, NC, he was the son of the late Jack J. Ledbetter and Bernita Sutton Ledbetter.

Dr. Ledbetter began his education as a student in Jackson County Public Schools. After graduating from high school, he received his BA from Lipscomb University, his MA from Western Carolina University and his Ed. D from the University of Tennessee, specializing in School Planning. Dr. Ledbetter worked for an architectural firm in Nashville, planning and designing efficient, effective school buildings.

Later, while working with the Church of Christ in Andrews, NC, Dr. Ledbetter began his career in education as an interim teacher. He spent nearly forty years in education, including twenty as Principal of East Henderson High School before becoming Assistant Superintendent of Auxiliary Services for Henderson County Public Schools, retiring in 1998.

Dr. Ledbetter was a member and past president of the Western Carolina University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa; a member and past president of the Hendersonville Kiwanis Club; and a member of the Southeast Region Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI).

One special honor he received in 2010 was his induction into the Henderson County Education Foundation Hall of Fame. Dr. Ledbetter, affectionately known as “Doc” by many, was honored that night as one who “weighed individual cases and people’s situations” before making decisions about his students because he believed “kids are not all alike.”  He was a strong believer in academics and school sports, understanding that “Success breeds Success.”

Dr. Ledbetter is survived by his wife of 62 years, Connie Kimbrough Ledbetter; daughter, Megan Ledbetter Shaffer and son-in-law, David P. Shaffer; grandson, Allen Jefferson Shaffer; three sisters, Jackie Sue Ledbetter and Barbara Anne Bembry, both of Sylva, and Linda Frye of Hendersonville.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at the Hendersonville Church of Christ.  Dr. Ethan Brown and Jerry Senn will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to AGAPE of North Carolina.

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