Lee R. Ledbetter

One of the last great cowboys rode through the pearly gates today. The good Lord called Lee Roy Ledbetter affectionately known as “Pete or Cowboy” home. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Lee’s family at www.andersonbethany.com. There will be a Graveside Service at McBride Cemetery on Friday, July 5, 2024, at 9 a.m. Lee Roy Ledbetter was born in Dexter, New Mexico, to Ross E. Ledbetter and Sarah Lou Burris on July 24, 1935. Lee was raised by his grandparents John Willis and Anna Ledbetter. Lee left home at the tender age of 14 to work on local ranches, (White Lakes Ranch in Roswell, NM being one). When Lee was 18, he moved to Ohio to work with his stepbrother Wayne Coulbourn and to reconnect with his mother. Lee served one tour of duty with the US Army (1956-1958), where he was stationed in Korea and Alaska. Lee learned to drive a tractor trailer while serving. After being discharged, truck driving would become his life’s career. Lee drove for various companies in New Mexico and would end up driving for 40 years. Lee met the love his life Julia Sammons in 1964. Lee and Julia would go on to have 4 children and remain happily married for 60 years. Lee and Julia moved to Caryville, Florida in 1994 to help take care of Lee’s mother. Lee and Julia lived and worked in Caryville for 20 years, they made numerous friends and enjoyed their time spent within the local community. Lee and Julia returned to New Mexico in 2014 where they continued to live until Lee’s death on June 29, 2024. Lee was a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend. Julia was known for affectionately saying that, “to know Lee you either loved him or hated him, but you always knew where you stood.” Lee was known for his constant ribbing and joking with friends and even complete strangers sometimes. He was quick to give advice or his opinion even when unsolicited. Those of us who had the pleasure to be in his life knew he had a heart as big as those New Mexico skies he loved so well. Lee is proceeded in death by his parents: Ross E. Ledbetter and Sarah Lou Coulbourn; brother, Wayne Coulbourn; and daughter, Holly Leeann Ledbetter. Lee is survived by his wife of 60 years, Julia Inez Ledbetter; cousin and brother of his heart, Dan Ledbetter; daughter, Silesia and spouse Bobby Hubbard of Wasilla, AK; son, Theron and spouse Angela Ledbetter of Las Cruces, NM; daughter, Miranda and spouse Kevin King of Hillsboro, TX; six grandchildren: Josiah Hubbard, Tawni Hubbard, Alex Ledbetter, Rider Ledbetter, Cheyenne King and Dakota King; and five great grandchildren: Joey and Ella Hubbard, Bentley and Eijah Ledbetter, and Annalee Blye King. Saddle up and ride those horses in heaven with Jesus, cowboy. Say a little prayer for those of us you left behind. No goodbyes, just see ya later for now. Till we see you again in the great by and by. Lee’s tribute was lovingly written by his family.

Lee R. Ledbetter

July 24, 1935 - June 29, 2024