William Hicks "Billy" Ledbetter

William Hicks “Billy” Ledbetter, age 97, passed away January 24, 2018 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, MS surrounded by family and friends.  

Billy was born in the Fugates community of Yazoo County on September 10, 1920.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Sue “Dot” Mohead Ledbetter, his parents, Richard and Annie Belle Ledbetter, his brother, Richard Exum “Booster” Ledbetter (Yazoo City), his sister, Lucille Ledbetter Smith-Vaniz (Canton).  

Billy attended Fugates Grammar School and Benton High School where he earned Letters in Football, Basketball and Baseball.  After high school graduation Billy entered Copiah-Lincoln Community College graduating in 1940.  Following Co-Lin, he enrolled in Mississippi College only to be drafted into the U.S. Army within six weeks of graduation.  After four years of serving his country, he returned to Mississippi College and earned a Business degree.

In the same year he moved to Canton and opened Canton Butane, Inc. with his sister, Lucille, and brother in law Joseph Smith-Vaniz in 1946. Two years later he married Dorothy Mohead, his lovely wife of 60 years. Billy and Dot traveled the world visiting many countries in Europe as well as the Far East.  A few of their highlights were traveling on the Queen Elizabeth II, the Orient Express and the Concorde.  They also enjoyed many years of dining in New Orleans where they had an apartment in the French Quarter.  Their favorite restaurant was Galatoires. 

Billy is survived by his two daughters, Lea Ledbetter Stewart of Canton, Sue Ledbetter Robertson (Ronny) of Tuscaloosa, AL, and his dog, Annie of Sharon, MS.   Survivors also include many nephews and nieces and their children.

In 2002 the family butane business was sold after 56 years of serving numerous counties in central MS.  Billy was President of the Mississippi Propane Gas Association.  Upon retirement he devoted his time to raising cattle on his farms in Sharon and Benton, MS, as well as running a mini-warehouse business in Forest, MS.  He also enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid sports enthusiast.

Billy had a strong Christian faith.  He was a member of First Baptist Church in Canton while raising his family.  In later years he attended Grace Episcopal Church in Canton. 

Billy was a larger than life individual who accomplished much from a meager beginning.  He helped many people along the way to his success.  He will be fondly remembered by all of his family and friends especially for his quick smile and his generosity.

The family would like to especially thank Doug Self, Jerry Jackson, Dorothy Walker, Connie Butler, Bobby Joe Hardin, long time employees, friends, and caregivers who brought a special touch to his latter years. 

Memorial services will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Canton at 11 am on Friday, January 26, 2018 followed by a reception in the Parish Hall celebrating Billy’s life of 97 years.

The family requests donations be made to Grace Episcopal Church in Canton, French Camp School in French Camp, MS or the charity of your choice.

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