of Harrison, AR
May 14, 1941 - December 21, 2022
Dr. Charles Austin Ledbetter, age 81, died on December 21, 2022 at his longtime home in Harrison, Arkansas. The son of the late Birdie Mary and Austin Ledbetter, he was born on June 14, 1941 in Batesville, Arkansas. Charles was raised in both Sheridan and Benton, Arkansas and graduated from Benton High School, Class of 1959.
It was in high school in Benton that he met his beloved wife, the late Suzanne Ledbetter (deceased June 21, 2018). Charles attended the University of Arkansas, where, among many things, he was a member of the Razorback Marching Band. Charles graduated college in May 1963 and married Suzanne later that year. In 1963 he also began medical school in Little Rock, thus embarking on a lifetime medical career.
Charles graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1967 and, in the midst of the Vietnam conflict, entered the United States Navy to start practicing medicine. Charles was extremely proud of his service in the Navy as a Naval Physician. He was stationed mainly in Jacksonville, Florida up until 1970. Charles then returned to Arkansas and the UAMS to begin his orthopedic residency, which concluded in 1974.
At that point, in 1974, he and Suzanne decided to move to Harrison, Arkansas. There, with his partner, Dr. Don R. Vowell, Charles established orthopedic clinical and surgical practices at Ozark Orthopedics Associates, Ltd., with offices in both Harrison and in Berryville, Arkansas.
During his career as an orthopedic surgeon, Charles was widely viewed as a "doctor's doctor". Until he retired in 2007, Charles continued to be on call to treat emergency orthopedic trauma, at what is now known as North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison. It was not uncommon for Charles to be called upon several times a month to operate on patients in the dark, early-morning hours. While that was not pleasant for anyone involved, Charles accepted it as his duty.
Charles was highly credentialed in orthopedics. He acquired a long list of credentials over the years, including serving as a Diplomate, American Board of Orthopedic Surgery; Fellow, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons; and Fellow, American College of Surgeons. Charles took the practice of medicine very seriously, worked hard at it, and was honored to be a physician. While his "bedside manner" at times could be a little abrupt, no one could ever question his dedication to the medical profession and to the well-being of his patients.
Charles was able to spend over ten of his retirement years with Suzanne. Together, they enjoyed travel, their many dogs, working in their immense yard (Charles would say "too immense") and spending time with their many friends, children, children's spouses and four grandchildren. Charles and Suzanne were longstanding members of First Presbyterian Church in Harrison. They made and enjoyed many friends there and elsewhere in Harrison. Charles was also an avid Arkansas Razorbacks fan, and for many years, held tickets to both football and basketball games in Fayetteville. He especially enjoyed attending basketball games in Bud Walton Arena. Charles further enjoyed fishing the rivers and lakes of north Arkansas and southern Missouri and in his younger years, the saltwater regions of the Florida Keys. He was also an avid reader of news and literature and dabbler in investments.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents and Suzanne. He is survived by his daughters, Lane Arnold (John) of Dallas, Texas, Brynn Thabet (Walid) of Roanoke, Virginia, Greer McCleary (Patrick) of Maumelle, Arkansas and Blair Herbert (Matt) of Hughesville, Maryland. Charles is also survived by his four grandchildren, Landry and Finley Arnold; Gavin McCleary and Malek Thabet. Finally, Charles's younger brother, Rick Ledbetter, survives him as well.
Charles's family would like to express their deep appreciation for each of his home caregivers during the past few years.
Interment in Little Rock, Arkansas on December 29, 2022 will be limited to Charles's immediate family. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Harrison, Arkansas, P.O. Box. 3260, Harrison, Arkansas 72602.
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11 Condolence(s)
Chris Taylor
Monday, February 13, 2023
BLAIR, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, JUST NOW SEEING THIS. Hope you are doing well, your parents where always very kind to me.
Shelby Justus
Thursday, December 29, 2022
This is truly heartbreaking , but I know that he is no longer in pain and will be reunited with his wife. My thoughts and prayers are with his 4 girls and their families. Rest easy big guy!
Laurie Milam
Thursday, December 29, 2022
Extending my most sincere condolences to Lane, Bryan, Greer, Blair, and Richard. I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting any of you, yet I heard so often of each of you from your Dad/brother. He spoke so highly of each of you. May the Lord grant His Comfort, and sustain each of you during this difficult times. Praying that the good memories overshadow.
I worked as an RN in Orthopaedics at NARMC for several years, with Dr. Ledbetter(& Dr. Vowell). What an experience! To say he was a meticulous Orthopaedic Surgeon is an understatement. He took his job seriously, and he had high standards, and expected the same of his nursing/medical team at NARMC. His patients’ best interest were his priority, and we all knew that. His patients were well looked after! I recall with fondness, his inviting me, a relatively new Orthopaedic RN, and another new Orthopaedic Nurse to observe one of his surgical cases- a hip replacement. The case went fairly straight-forward, until the x-Ray machine cocked up briefly, a few colourful words were exchanged, and the equipment was quickly working again, and the case proceeded without a further hitch. Ha! It was fascinating, and he chatted away, explaining in detail, what he was doing and why, then asked US questions to ensure we knew the answers, and see if we’d been listening! He wanted us to understand, first-hand- why the patients had the post-op pain they did, and of mobility safeguarding issues Post-op. He cared enough to teach anyone willing to learn. I was one of them. I learned an awful lot, spending time making rounds with him, and later when he sat at the nurses station with the notes.. I was keen to learn as much as I could from him. His sense of humour was acute and wry! If one had his respect, it was because one earned it.
Another fond memory I have of Dr. Ledbetter was his punctuality, attention to detail, and arriving to the Orthopaedic Floor in a suit and tie. Something of a bygone era, which I miss. I have many more memories of working with him, as do many who worked with him. These are just a few highlights.
When I needed a Neuro Surgeon, naturally, I asked his advice. He highly recommended the late Dr. Ron Williams of Little Rock. An old friend of his. He told me, “ Laurie, if I ever needed a Neuro Surgeon, he is the ONLY ONE I’d let near me…He’s the best of the best..†Great advice.
I am thankful for my opportunity to have worked with Dr. Ledbetter.
Pamela Launius
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
I have known Dr. Ledbetter for many years and admired and loved him dearly. He will be missed by many.
Tammy (Johnson) Decker
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Doctor Ledbetter…What can I say about this wonderful/horrible man…I worked for him for over 15 years and I always said I would defend his reputation as a brilliant doctor to anyone BUT I couldn’t say the same about his bedside manner!!😂😂 Needless to say we had a love/hate relationship, mostly love 💕. I learned so much from you Sir and I hope you are now happily reunited with your sweet, beautiful wife.
Vicki Petree Stuart
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
I worked with Dr. Ledbetter for many years in the NARMC Emergency Department. He was always professional in his work and a meticulous taskmaster. While conversing during a procedure in one of the trauma rooms we both discovered our shared interest in the ex-pat Jack Kerouac and the Beat Generation. We had many discussions regarding great books and generational happenings, afterwards, whenever we would work together in the Emergency Department. I always admired his love and devotion to his wife and the pride he had in each of his daughters. Girls, he talked about each of you with such love and affection and his respect for your lives was apparent each time he mentioned your names. He provided a great and much needed service to NARMC and along with Dr. Vowell they mended and repaired everything from simple fractures due to bicycle accidents to complex undertakings due to traumatic falls along the Buffalo River. Rest in Heaven, Dr. Ledbetter, I’m sure your lovely wife has been awaiting your arrival. Vicki Petree Stuart
Katheryn Holder
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Proud to have been a part of his and Dr Vowell’s orthopedic team for over 20 years. His knowledge and expertise gifted me with such a background that my career was enriched and blessed. From his faith I know his service and dedication came from the heart. He and Suzanne quietly gave so much of theirselves this world will be lacking as we go forward. May the families rest in the peace of God’s grace amd comfort as they process this earthly departure.
David & Bunny Clark
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Dr Ledbetter will be missed. He was a great Dr.
David Melssen
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
I worked with Dr. Ledbetter for over 24 years. He only gave me a hard time once. I talked back and once he knew that I knew my job as well as he knew his job, he and I worked together with respect. He took on the mistakes of others and helped so many! Over the years his temper eased, and I believe he enjoyed his daily work! Great Doctor!
Lindabartlett
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
My deepest condolences to the family Charles was just like family to me loved him and Suzanne with all my heart prayers for you girls love you all
Cheryl Monson
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Deepest condolences to the family. I had the pleasure to work for Drs Ledbetter and Vowell and have wonderful memories, including being a patient as well. Thank you for your service and your many years of dedicated service to our community.