Mr. Ledford was born May 27, 1917, in Young Harris, Ga. He served in the the U.S. Air Force for 31 years, retiring in 1971 as master sergeant. He was a gunner, radio operator and navigator on B-17s in the African and European campaigns during World War II and on the B-29 bomber in the Pacific. He was also decorated for participation in the Korean War with tours of duty in more than 13 countries.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary D., and a son, Jimmy D.

Survivors include a son, William B. Ledford Jr. of Washington; a daughter, Susan Ledford of Salina; two brothers, Lawrence of California and H. Poe of North Carolina; a sister, Tommye Smith of Georgia; a grandchild; and three great-grandchildren.

A graveside inurnment service will be at a later date in Atlanta.