Roper Funeral Home and Crematory 206 Holly St Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500 (706) 253-0040 www.roperfuneralhome.com Ronald Lamar Ledford, Sr., age 86, of Talking Rock, Georgia, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025 at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper. He was born September 29, 1938 to Jahue and Myrtle Ledford in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Ronald proudly served his country as a member of the elite Old Guard, 3rd Infantry Regiment, where he had the great honor of walking the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier-an enduring symbol of respect and reverence for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Following his distinguished military service, Ronald continued to leave a mark through his work in technology. He played a key role in installing the first mainframe computer at the BNO/CNO Railroad in Detroit, a groundbreaking advancement at the time. Later, he was part of the pioneering team that helped develop the SWIFT system, revolutionizing global financial communications. Ronald will be remembered not only for his patriotism and innovation but also for the quiet strength and dedication with which he approached every aspect of his life. Ronald is survived by his wife, Barbara Ledford; daughter, Michelle Chapin; son, Ronald L. Ledford, Jr.; daughter, Melissa Williams; grandchildren, Seth, Joshua, Chelsea, Benjamin, Ellie, Kendal, McKayla; great-grandchildren, Liam and Ember. Other family members also survive. He was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle Sims Jones. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2025 in the Chapel of Roper Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Sheila Crowe officiating. Interment will follow at Georgia National Cemetery. (1080 Scott Hudgens Drive; Canton, GA 30114) The family will be receiving friends at Roper Funeral Home, Tuesday, July 29, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Arrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.