Rev. Dr. James Wendell Ligon, 80, of Franklin, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2015.

Born in Dunn, NC, he was the son of the late Elisha James Ligon and Virginia Coppridge Ligon and reared from 3 years old by his aunt and uncle, Dr. William Coppridge and his wife. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Miles Ligon; a son, James Miles Ligon and sister, Mary Virginia Saul and brother, Dr. Alton J. Coppridge. Wendell graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and received his doctorate from Union Theological Seminary. He was the pastor of Morrison Presbyterian Church and served as a missionary in Indonesia for 4 years.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Linda Watkins Ligon; four children, Wendell C. Ligon of Columbia, SC, Lucy L. Heffelfinger of Newton, NC, George Wyatt Ligon of Boone, NC and Rachel L. Bradley of Asheville, NC; step-children, Wendy W. Deese of Greensboro, NC, Susan W. Sisk of Ferrum, VA and Eric H. Wilson of Charlotte, NC; sister, Rachel Hargrove of Sumter, SC; eleven grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, July 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Morrison Presbyterian Church. Rev. Gene Price will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Friday, July 10th at Macon Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Morrison Presbyterian Church, C/O Bob Price, 16 Serenity Ridge Dr. Franklin, NC 28734.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com