Sammy Lee Ledbetter, age 77 of Malvern, died early Friday morning, January 27, 2017, at National Park Medical Center in Hot Springs. He was born in Rolla, Arkansas on August 16, 1939 to the late Coleman James Ledbetter, Sr., and Euvis Elizabeth Hudson Ledbetter. Reared and receiving his early education here, he was a 1958 graduate of Malvern High School, where he lettered in both basketball and football. Sammy attended the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He worked for International Harvester for 25 years, and drove for CRST, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for 25 years, driving over two million accident free miles. Sammy was a member of the National Guard. An avid reader, Sammy was particularly fond of Louis L'Amour books, and once had the opportunity of meeting the author in person. He also loved having any opportunity to play golf. After his retirement, for many years Sammy was a greeter at Walmart in Hot Springs, making many friends. He loved babies, and being around them would always bring a smile to his face. Sammy was a long time member of First Baptist Church of Malvern. It was there on August 25, 1963, that he married the love of his life, the former Mary Jim Baker.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jim Ledbetter; by four children, Laralei Elisabeth Ledbetter (Pete Davis) of Mesquite, Texas, Lola Layne Buttgen (Dean) of Omaha, Nebraska, James David (J. D.) Ledbetter of Cocoa, Florida, and Linda Grace Huddleston (David) of Hot Springs, Arkansas; ten grandchildren, Zach, Serena, Sabrina, Coleman, Collier, Grace, Dominic, Emara, John Paul Samuel, and Josh; and by four great-grandchildren, Jayden, Gabriella, Arrianna, and Karson. Sammy is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Sarita Baker and June Baker Jefferson, and numerous nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews.

Sammy was also preceded in death by six siblings.

A memorial service will be held at two o'clock Friday afternoon, February 3, 2017 in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Reverend James Batts officiating. Visitation will follow the service.

Memorials are requested to the L'eau Fraiz Cemetery association, in care of Ozell Johnson, 2331 Landers Road, Malvern, Arkansas 72104.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.