Mr. John Albert (Poppy) Ledford, age 66, of Resaca, Georgia, departed this life Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at the Kindred Hospital in Rome, Georgia, surrounded by his loving family. John was born August 6, 1950 in Woodstock, Georgia. He was a 1968 graduate of Cherokee County High School. He proudly served his country as a medivac helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War. He was the owner of Tri-State Installers which build and equipped chicken houses.

John was a very strong person whose passion was his work. He never met a stranger and was extremely talkative. He knew everything going on in his family even his extended family. The true love of his life was his family.

He was preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Jack and Nellie Ledford, his mother and step-father, Lois and James Brewer and a sister, Martha Jenkins.

He is survived by his faithful companion and love of his life, Kim Bailey of the residence; daughter and son-in-law, Jaime and Tye Miller of Calhoun, GA; grandchildren, Bre and Sacha Yenkana of Hilton Head Island, SC, Jacey Miller of White, GA, Hunter Miller of Calhoun, GA; great-grandchildren, Kaylen and Camden Yenkana, Makenna Miles; brother, David Ledford of Cartersville, GA; sisters, Mary and Johnny Hollingshed of Jasper, GA, Betty and James Jordan of White, GA; aunt, Doris Samples of E. Hartford, CT; special friend who he called "Little Red", Jamie Hufsteler of Atlanta, GA; his very special friend and companion, his cock-a-to, Chloe; several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. John Ledford will be held Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel (138 Melrose Dr., Dalton, GA, 30721) with Mark Owen officiating. He will be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Gardens in Cartersville, Georgia, with Zach Miles, Hunter Miller, Jackie Jackson, Jackie Petty, Justin Bailey and James Hampton serving as pallbearers. Military graveside honors will be provided by the active military. The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday and after 12:00 p.m. noon Saturday until the service hour.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements will be announced by, Ponders Melrose Chapel 138 Melrose Drive Dalton, GA 30721, 706-226-4002
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