Freeman A. "Jack" Ledford Sr., age 76, of Monroe, MI passed away Monday, May 18, 2009 at Tendercare of Monroe where he had been since February. He had been in declining health since January. Freeman was born September 7, 1932 in Chattanooga, TN the son of the late Cam and Pearl (Massengale) Ledford Sr. Freeman was inducted into the US Army on July 18, 1952 where he proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged on May 28, 1954. On May 7, 1955 in Rossville, GA, Freeman married his beloved wife the former Shirley A. Kerns. Sadly she preceded him in death on May 4, 1974. The couple moved to Monroe in June of 1971 to raise their family. Freeman worked at Monroe Steel Castings. He enjoyed gardening, throwing horseshoes, fishing and hunting. Freeman also loved his family. He is survived by 6 children; Morgan (Cathy) Ledford of Monroe, Freeman Ledford Jr. of Redondo Beach, CA, Doris (Mike) Jones of Dunlap, TN, Wilma (John) Bayer of Monroe, Janice (Perry) Ellison of Maybee, MI and Carolyn (Kevin) Stubleski of Erie, MI, 4 brothers; Mike (Shirley) Ledford, Jimmy, John and Cam Ledford Jr. all of Chattanooga, TN, 3 sisters; Loretta (Bill) Smith of Soddy Daisy, TN, Cathy (Merle) Camp and June Gibson both of Chickamauga, TN, 18 cherished grandchildren and 28 cherished great grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Freeman was preceded in death by 2 sisters; Faye Ridge and Joan Grimes, 3 brothers; William, Clarence and Vernon Ledford and a beloved daughter in law, "in loving memory of Libby Ledford". Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe, where funeral services celebrating Freeman's life will be held on Friday, May 22, 2009 at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Roy Southerland pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.