It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Theron Craig Ledford, 75, of Rome, Georgia. Craig passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at his home on October 16, 2025.
Born on October 27, 1949, in Rome, Georgia, Craig spent his childhood making wonderful memories and friendships that he cherished throughout his life. He was proud to be the first person ever to score a touchdown at the Boys Club of Rome and wore his #22 jersey with pride. His love for football never faded - whether coaching, watching, or talking about the game, it was always a part of him.
Craig was baptized at Shorter Avenue Baptist Church by the Reverend J.H. Holcombe, alongside his father, Theron Ledford, who was baptized the same day. He later attended the Garden Lakes Baptist Church, where his faith remained an important part of his life.
In high school, Craig met the love of his life, Barbara Nicholson, and the two were married on August 24, 1968. Together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, and countless adventures.
Before beginning his long career at Georgia Power, Craig worked at Celanese and West Point Pepperell, gaining valuable experience and building strong friendships along the way. He began at Georgia Power in 1973 and retired in May of 2009, dedicating more than 35 years of service to the company.
Known affectionately as "Coach Ledford," Craig was so much more than a coach - he was a mentor, a teacher, and a friend to many. He had a quick wit, a big heart, and a talent for making everyone around him smile. He was also known for his playful sarcasm, which could make any situation funnier and brought laughter to friends and family alike. A trivia master, Elvis impersonator, and family entertainer, Craig brought joy wherever he went.
He loved chocolate-covered cherries, a cold glass of whole milk, the beach, football, his precious family, and his beloved cat, Myko. Above all, Craig will be remembered as the best Daddy and Papa ever - a man whose devotion to his family was unmatched and whose love will live on through them forever.
Craig is survived by his wife, Barbara Nicholson Ledford; his daughter, Amy Thomas and her husband Haven; his sons, Jason Ledford and his wife Krista, and Crockett Ledford and his wife Kelley; grandchildren Logan Ledford, Bailey Ledford, Emma Ledford, Callie Bethune and her husband Tanner, Neely Ledford, and Outler Morgan; bonus grandchildren Colby Thomas, Taylor Abbott, and Hyland Thomas; great-grandchildren Leighton Ledford and Isla Bethune; and his siblings, Rickey Ledford and his wife Robyn, and Susan Huggins and her husband Greg.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theron and Eloise Ledford, his sister, Cathie Greeson, and his twin daughters, Monica and Lisa. He was also a loving son to his parents and his beloved in-laws, B.J. and Dorothy Nicholson, to whom he showed endless respect and care throughout his life.
His peacefulness, strength, and kindness touched everyone he met. Though we will miss him more than words can express, his spirit will live on in the laughter, lessons, and love he shared with us all.
Funeral Service to celebrate Craig's life will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 1:00pm in the Chapel at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, Oaknoll Chapel with his nephews, Chaplain, Jon Huggins and Rev. Wes Bridges officiating. Interment will follow in Oaknoll Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 11:00am until 1:00pm at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, Oaknoll Chapel.
Pallbearers are asked to assemble at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, Oaknoll Chapel on Monday by 12:30pm and will be Logan Ledford, Outler Morgan, Tanner Bethune, Andrew Beam, Austin Beam, Hyland Thomas, Blake Stover, and Will Blalock.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, Oaknoll Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Mr. Theron Craig "Coach" Ledford.

Published by Rome News-Tribune on Oct. 18, 2025.