Grant D Ledford III

Grant D. Ledford III, age 86, has passed away in La Quinta, California. Grant was born on October 9, 1937 in Murphy, NC, Grant was a respected and decorated Captain in the Air Force, serving as a fighter pilot during the Viet Nam War.  Grant flew 209 successful missions.  He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as a number of other awards and honors for his service.  HIs dedication and bravery were evident throughout his military career, which laid a strong foundation for his subsequent achievements in civilian aviation.

Following his honorable military service, Grant joined TWA, where he excelled as a Senior International Check Captain for 29 years, flying the Constellation "Conny" in 1968, the L-1011's, and many years as a senior officer on the Boeing 747-400 flying from New York to Paris and Cairo, his two favorite cities in the world.  In Grant's opinion, the 747 was " the best plane ever built"!  His leadership and expertise later saw him rise to the position of Vice President of Worldwide Operations for Polar Air Cargo.  After his years of dedicated service at Polar, Grant also served as a Senior Flight Standards Inspector and was senior liaison between the FAA and Boeing, where his insights and guidance were invaluable.  He was awarded a special citation for his leadership of the team that made all cockpit doors on all aircraft entering US airspace impenetrable after 9-11.  His final commercial flight clocked him to have completed an incredible mission of successfully flying around the world 24 times.  Upon touchdown at LAX for that final flight, he received the tremendous honor of the LA Fire Department Water Cannon Tunnel.

Grant was a graduate of Akron East high school and furthered his education at Kent State University, which equipped him with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career that spanned military and civilian aviation.

Outside of his professional life, Grant was an avid deep sea diver, deep sea sport fisherman, golfer, and voracious world traveler, passions that he pursued with as much enthusiasm and dedication as his career. Owning A 40' sailboat, a 52' Sport Fisher, and a home in the Bahamas allowed him the pleasure of the open seas, both Atlantic and Pacific. As a 52+ year member of the infamous San Diego Yacht Club, there were many a wonderful time spent with old buddies, friends, and great events.  This was also where both "SPELLBOUND" and "LADY DEE" called home. His love of the open water was only matched by his love of soaring through the skies!!

He is survived by his loving wife, Dee, two children, two grandchildren, and one great grandson.  He is predeceased by a daughter and a son.  He will be remembered as a dedicated family man, a mentor to many, and a friend whose legacy of courage, integrity, honesty and dedication will live on.  In lieu of flowers, a donation of any size to Tunnels to Towers Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.

A ceremony to honor Grant's life and service will be held with full military honors on October 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, California.  Grant's life was a testament to his resilience and ability to inspire those around him, and he will be deeply loved and missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

MAY THE SUN BRING YOU NEW ENERGY BY DAY,

MAY THE MOON SOFTLY RESTORE YOU BY NIGHT, 

MAY THE RAN WASH AWAY YOUR WORRIES,

MAY THE BREEZE BLOW STRENGTH INTO YOUR BEING, 

MAY YOUI WALK GENTLY THROUGH THE WORLD AND KNOW BEAUTY ALL THE DAYS OF YOUR LIFE

                                                                               "THE JOURNEY IS EVERYTHING"