Johnny Richard Ledbetter

Johnny Richard Ledbetter, Retired DeKalb Police Captain, age 63 of Conyers, GA slipped away into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father, Friday, March 19, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. "Big John" was born June 18, 1946 on Pecan Street in Clarkston, GA. He was the youngest of three children born to John Frances Ledbetter and Agnes Gaddy. He was raised in the Clarkston area and attended Clarkston High School. He served his Country as an Air Policeman in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Bitburg, Germany. John fulfilled his dream and began his career as a DeKalb County Police Officer in 1968. He was a very successful homicide investigator and was instrumental in helping to establish the K-9 Drug Unit while supervising the Narcotics Squad. He was the youngest officer to attain the rank of Lieutenant. He retired in 1999 after 31 years of service. He enjoyed spending time outside working in the yard and tending the garden. Papa loved being with family and spoiling his five grandbabies. He was an avid fan of Braves baseball, Beatles music, and Krispy Kreme doughnuts. John is survived by the love of his life, his adoring and dedicated wife of 42 years, Joyce (Britt) Ledbetter; daughter, Rhonda (Al) Morelock, Orlando, FL; sons, Christopher (Wendy) Ledbetter, Knoxville, TN, Jeffrey Ledbetter (Alicia Moore), Conyers, John Matthew Ledbetter (Amanda Miller), Conyers; five grandchildren, Kinsey, Trevor, Corey, Cameron Morelock and Christina Ledbetter. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 2 p.m. at Scot Ward's Harry White Chapel. Visitation will be from 12 until 2 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33601. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services - Harry White Chapel, 1299 Milstead Ave., Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.