Melvin Ray Woodford

October 13, 1943 - May 29, 2015

Melvin Ray Woodford, 71, of Ledbetter passed away at 1:00 AM Friday, May 29, 2015 at his residence. Mr. Woodford was employed by Tilford Contractors for 30 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator and was a Livingston County School Bus Driver for the past 11 years, driving his usual route just this past Tuesday. He was a member of Local 181 Operating Engineers for 45 years and a veteran of the Navy. Melvin enjoyed dirt track racing; he drove # 14 JR at area dirt tracks. The 14 JR was on his pulling tractor most recently. He raced from 1964 to 1981 and was held the track champ for several years. Gardening and growing tomatoes were a full time summer hobby for Melvin. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Joy Woodford of Ledbetter; son, Melvin (Butchie) Woodford of Tiline; two daughters, Valeria Woodford of West Paducah, Shelli Parks and husband Deron of Melber; brother, Gary “Bubby” Smith and wife Sandy of Paducah; two sisters, Wanda Robinson and husband Terry of Paducah, Carol Roberts and husband Wayne of Ledbetter; four grandchildren, Heather Miller and husband Nick, Mallory Parks, Desi DeLaPaz, Kolton Parks; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary E. (Woodford) Smith. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, June 1, 2015 at Hughes Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Homer Fletcher officiating and Eulogy read by Orbin Grimes. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Ledbetter. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the funeral home.