Romie L. Ledbetter, Sr.

Obituary for Romie Linwood Ledbetter Sr.

"A Life of Perseverance, Faith, Service, and Love"

From the very beginning, Romie’s life was marked by love, hard work, and faith. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend, he lived with humility and strength, always giving of himself to his family, his church, and his community.

Romie Linwood Ledbetter Sr. was born on November 1, 1935, in Whaleyville, Suffolk, Virginia, to Mary Faulk (Ledbetter) and William Henry Ledbetter Sr. As a boy, he developed a love for nature and a natural gift with his hands. He was inventive and creative, with a talent for building and fixing that would bless others throughout his life.

He graduated from East Suffolk High School before pursuing higher education at Virginia State University, where he received his associate's degree in Electrical. Following his studies, he proudly served his country as an active soldier, where he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, where he led troops and taught rifle infantry in the United States Army. After being honorably discharged, he served in the Army Reserve until 1964.

In 1960, Romie married his sweetheart, Costellar (Brown) Ledbetter. Together, they built a loving home and were blessed with four beautiful children: Rosalind (Ledbetter) Lacy, Romie Linwood Ledbetter Jr., Mone’t Ledbetter, and Kenitra Bilé (Michel). Family was always at the center of his life, and he took great joy in raising his children and watching his family grow.

Romie was a faithful member of Mineral Springs Baptist Church since he was a boy, where he served as a trustee for over 40 years. He loved his church deeply and was always ready to lend his skills for repairs and remodeling, ensuring God’s house was cared for just as he cared for his own family.

As a licensed master electrician, he was credited for the electrical operations of the Suffolk Town Fair. He was responsible for the electrical development for Lake Kennedy, Pierce Park, Strafford Terrace, and many other community developments. Romie was well respected throughout Hampton Roads for his skill, work ethic, formally known as Ledbetter’s Septic Tank Service, which covered residential & commercial. This further showcased his dedication, honesty, and commitment to serving the community he loved.

He served his community well and received various awards, like the Black Men Rock Award, House of Inspiration Network Award, and was a member of the Black Caucus, Chamber of Commerce, and a lifetime NAACP member. The City of Suffolk awarded him the Citizens Achievement Award, and through the Shriners Organization, he acquired the title of Noble Linwood Ledbetter.

On September 28, 2025, the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, called Romie from labor to reward. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle whose life and legacy will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Faulk Ledbetter, Father, William Henry Ledbetter Sr., siblings William Henry Ledbetter Jr, Ellen Ledbetter Silver, Ida Mae Baker, Sis Rosetta Foreman and James W. Ledbetter Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory of his beloved wife, Costellar the corrections Ledbetter; his sister, Lilian (Ledbetter) Jones; his children; Rosalind (Ledbetter) Lacy, Romie Linwood Ledbetter Jr., Mone’t Ledbetter, and Kenitra Bilé (Michel), his grandchildren—Danielle Lacy, Jean- Louis Bilé (Diana), Jean -Mathias Bilé, Christoff Glaude, Dominic Glaude, Jean- Claude Bilé, and Jean- Pierre Bilé—his great-grandchildren, Ariel Bilé and Zarah Bilé, nieces, nephews, extended family, and a host of dear friends.

Though his earthly journey has ended, Romie’s legacy of perseverance, faith, service, and love will continue to live on in the lives of those he touched.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, 2 pm.-5p.m. October 12, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, October 13, 2025, at Mineral Spring Baptist Church. For friends and family who are not able to attend, please support the family using the link that is provided.

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Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.