Mark Harold Ledford

Mark Harold Ledford, formerly from Hayesville, North Carolina, age 75, passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2021, in Hiawassee, Georgia. Harold was born to the late Rev. and Mrs. James Ronda "Rondy" and Blanch Lee Ledford on September 13, 1946, in Hayesville, North Carolina. Harold leaves behind his wife, Donna Ratchford Ledford; daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Michael and Mrs. Alicia Ledford Baugh; daughter, Dr. Jennie Mae Ledford Brame; grandchildren, Lucy Claire Baugh, Robert "Marshall" Brame, III, Chandler Mae Brame, Michael Scott Baugh, Mathew Baugh, and Macy Baugh ; sister, Brenda Kay Ledford; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Randy Wright; along with a host of loving extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rondy and Blanch Ledford, and baby brother Ronnie Ledford.

Harold was of the Baptist faith and walked life serving God in love and faithfulness. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and friend to many. Of all the places Harold lived and visited, the mountains were his home. He loved the people, family, and community; it was part of his soul. Harold represented the best in all of us. He was selfless and kind, funny and lighthearted, and fervently loyal. There was comfort and security in his presence, and those who knew him well would agree that he was an honorable, humble, and loving man.

A courageous man, Harold was a soldier in the US Army and served our country in the Vietnam War. He later dedicated his career for 30 years as a Sherriff's Deputy in Clay County. He loved serving in law enforcement and made many lifelong friends; those friends were like a second family. When he was not patrolling the roads of Clay County, he enjoyed being with his family, playing his guitar and banjo, fishing, and tinkering in his workshop. Harold didn't just tell people he loved them; he showed it daily in simple acts like making his wife's coffee every morning, building toys for his grandchildren, and helping others. After retiring, he took up woodworking, building toys for his grandchildren, birdhouses, and furniture. He was a "Jack of All Trades," who was innovative and could find a solution or workaround for any problem. If he could not fix it, he could at least get a good laugh from it—his sense of humor was contagious. Family and friends were honored to have him in their lives; he will be missed beyond measure on this Earth but celebrated forever in Heaven.

Visitation: Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at Truett Memorial First Baptist Church 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Funeral: Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Truett Memorial First Baptist Church at 2:15 PM with Rev. Danny Hollifield officiating.
Pallbearers: Melvin Cantrell, Steve "Possum" Byers, Mike Arrendale, Keith Mills, Derek Tilley, and Buddy Lowe
Interment to follow in the Hayesville Baptist Presbyterian Cemetery,
Banister-Cooper Funeral Home is in charge of caring for Mr. Harold Ledford