On May 23, Doc’s Sunset Grille in Oxford hosted the first annual Big Al’s “Gone Fishin’” Tournament to benefit the Oxford Volunteer Fire Company (OVFC). The fundraiser was named for Al Ledford, Oxford resident, avid fisherman, and proud EMT and fireman volunteer who died in January 2020.
On August 8, a check presentation ceremony was held at the Oxford Firehouse. Tim Kearns, OVFC’s president, received the $10,962 check from Big Al’s son, Mark Ledford. Ledford acknowledged the Tournament sponsors: Chooch Oristian from Doc’s Sunset Grille and Tom and Susan Campbell from Campbell’s Boatyards.
Liza Ledford, Big Al’s daughter-in-law, remembered him as someone who perceived life as a gift to be shared. The Oxford Firehouse, she said, provided him the opportunity to do just that while fulfilling his passion for service. When the fire siren rang, Big Al could always be counted on to be there, ready to assist the community.
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The tournament attracted twelve boats who competed for the $5,000 in prize money.
Winners were:
–Biggest fish by male angler (and overall biggest fist)- Bunk Ewing on “Catch Ya Later” (sponsored by Doc’s)
–Biggest fish caught by a female angler – Riley Waters on “Talk to Ya” (Sponsored by Campbell’s Boatyard)
–Next sizes up Male: Neil D’Aldamo on “Always Somethin” (Sponsored by Roto-Rooter)
–Next sizes up Female: Joey Janda on “Miss Conduct” (Sponsored by Roto-Rooter)
Picture: L to R: Susan Campbell, Tom Campbell, Chooch Oristian, Tim Kearns, Mark Ledford, Mary Ledford, Theresa Ledford, Barbara Ledford, and Chrissie Ledford.
Big Al’s family
Mark Ledford wearing the newly dawned pancake flipping T-shirt his Dad, Al Ledford passed onto him
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