John was the first of nine children born to Maggie and Walker Ledbetter. John attended public school in Winston Salem and continued his education at Winston Salem State Teachers College where he received the Bachelor of Science degree. He began his long teaching career in Winston Salem, but was soon drafted in the United States Army Air Force for World War II in 1941. Mr. Ledbetter was honorably discharged at the end of the war. During his four year tour of duty he met and married Frankie Bradley in 1942. To this union two children were born: Beverly E. Ledbetter and Michael Brett Ledbetter. In 1946, he came to Texas for a visit, was offered a job, and began his teaching career in Texas. John taught Science and coached both football and basketball at Dunbar High School in Livingston, Texas for five years. John also taught and coached in Sealy, Texas. In 1953, he received the Master's degree in Education from the University of Colorado. He was hired by the Houston Independent School District as a science teacher and assistant coach at E. 0. Smith Junior High School. After receiving certification in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University, he became a Counselor at Fleming Junior High School. He later transferred to Reagan Senior High School from which he retired in 1980 - to pursue his favorite pastimes, boating, fishing, traveling - especially cruising, monitoring Worrell Street and sleeping late. John was a faithful member of St. Francis Episcopal Church, Prairie View, where he served as Junior Warden for many years. He was a member of the Texas Teachers Association, The Texas Association of High School Counselors, The Prairie View Chamber of Commerce, the Prairie View Athletic Association, The Big 10 Hunting Club and the Gaff Toppers. John was a loyal member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and was honored in August for seventy years of setting the standard for excellence and exemplary service. John was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings and his son, Michael Brett. John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Frankie; his daughter, Beverly E. Ledbetter of Providence, Rhode Island; two sisters: Mrs. Mamie Turner of Greensboro, North Carolina and Naomi Ledbetter of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; two sisters-in-law: Euretta Waddleton of Alto, Texas and Aaron Ledbetter of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, a loving extended family of relatives and friends.