Allan Ledford
Allan Aubrey Ledford, Jr., most recently of Rossville, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
Born March 6, 1953, in Chattanooga, to Al and Bessie Ledford. Following the death of his parents, he and his sister, Karen, were raised by their gracious and loving aunt and uncle Carl and Helen Hammett, where they gained two “cousin-siblings,” Mitzie Hammett Penney and Tim Hammett. He was raised at Woodland Park Baptist Church and was loved by all.
Allan attended Margaret Wilson School, Anna B. Lacey, Tyner Jr. and High School graduating in 1970. He attended UT Knoxville earning a BS degree in music. He taught at Tyson Junior High, West High and other Knoxville schools prior to coming to launch Chattanooga’s performing arts magnet school with Kathy Allison in 1987. He continued in that role as Musical Theatre Director and founder of Choo Choo Kids until his retirement in 2010. He was an award-winning educator at the local and state levels. He coordinated student tours and performances domestically in New York City, New Orleans, Chicago and internationally in Gangneung, South Korea and Hamm, Germany.
He served as music director in churches in the Chattanooga area, Woodland Park Baptist, Hixson United Methodist, and Signal Crest United Methodist. Also churches in Knoxville, Tennessee and Stuart, Florida.
Allan directed at Chattanooga Theatre Centre, Signal Mountain Playhouse, Lake WinnepeSPOOKA and performed with Chattanoodle and Nutcracker Christmas Carol.
He volunteered at McKamey Animal Center receiving their 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award. He also volunteered at East Ridge Community Food Pantry.
Allan leaves behind members of his family, Mitzie Hammett Penney and Tim Hammett; niece, Shannon Holliday (Mike); nephews: Aaron Hammett, James (Bre) Hammett, David (Kaleigh) Hammett and Matthew (Amy) Hammett; and several great-nieces and nephews. Also loved by his three furbabies: Dash, Sirius and Lily.
Visitation will be on Saturday, Aug. 9, between 1 and 3 p.m. with the service at 3 p.m. at First-Centenary United Methodist Church, 419 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga. The services will be live streamed at FirstCentenary.com/worship.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First-Centenary or McKamey Animal Center, 4500 N. Access Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415.