Ronald Sanders Ligon, Sr.

Ronald Sanders Ligon, Sr., passed away on December 28, 2024 at the age of 87. Ronald was born in Lebanon, TN and raised in Franklin, TN, and was a renowned entrepreneur who founded and owned many businesses. In his early years, his career was with the Harpeth National Bank where he served as Chairman of the Executive Committee; however, his most prized venture was Christus Gardens, a well-known museum of religious history in Gatlinburg, TN that operated for 48 years and brought travelers from all over the world. Ronald was known to be an avid outdoorsman and loved the western part of the country. There he became involved in the Wild West History Association and was registered through the SASS Association by his beloved nickname “Cody Kid.” 

Ronald loved his local community and tried to serve it every chance that he could. He was one of the founders of Harpeth Academy, now known as the Battle Ground Academy Lower School. He was a weekly fixture at the Franklin Noon Rotary Club where he was an avid member and Paul Harris Fellow. He was a volunteer with the Franklin Police Department for nine years. His love for his community extended to participating in turning Harlinsdale Farm into the Harlinsdale Park we all know and love today. 

Despite his many accomplishments, Ronald was most proud of his large, blended family. He is preceded in death by son, Ronald Sanders “Sandy” Ligon, Jr.; parents, H. Raymond Ligon and Lucille Sanders Ligon; brother, H. Winston Ligon and former wife and mother to his three sons, Mary Frances Ligon. He is survived by wife, Marty Parish Ligon; Ronald’s sons, John Jefferson Ligon and Matthew Courtney (Stacey) Ligon; stepson, Fulton Mayberry (Darlene) Greer III; stepdaughter, Martha “Meg” Elizabeth Greer (Talley) Floyd; grandchildren, Elizabeth Parish Greer Melendez, Amelia Floyd (Jacob) Grams, Jessica Ann Ligon, Chloe (Mac) Mayo Ligon-Smith, Margaret Ligon (Clay) Lilla, Matthew Courtney Ligon, Jr., Catherine Carlyle Ligon, as well as great granddaughters Avery and Aspen Melendez and other loving family members. His Grandchildren brought him much joy, pride, and many laughs. They speak fondly of his quick wit, long winded prayers, custom multi-pocketed shirts, love of Martha Stewart, his cowboy expertise, and their trips with him to Maine. 

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home with visitation 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM prior to the service. Jim Taylor will officiate. The burial will follow in Williamson Memorial Gardens, which has always been a special place for him because his family was one of the original partners to develop the cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Hal Abbott, John Abbott, Roby Adams, Tyler Berry, Jacob Grams, Matthew Ligon Jr., Clay Lilla and Mac Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Glen Adams, Tom Cone, Aubrey Harwell, Calvin Lehew, Ron Mills, and Willis Knox. Ronald wanted to honor his beloved organizations including members of the Ligon Family & Kinsman Association, Franklin Noon Rotary Club, Sessions of Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church, The Nashville and Cedar Creek Yacht Clubs, Wartrace Regulators Officers and Directors, Grammar School Gang of Lebanon and Franklin Police Volunteers. 

Ronald made it known that he cherished his friendships with Jan Adams, Danny Anderson, Julian Bibb, Steve Condorelus, Henry Davis, Bill Farris, Mrs. Dot Kilgore, Dr. Bill Kilpatrick, Eunetta Kready, Jeffery Leach, Melinda Lyon, Frank Palmer, Dave Pillar, Chuck Porter, Juliette Stockstill, Preston Sweeney, Kenny Thomas, Tammy Vaughn and Liz King.

The family is grateful for all those who helped us care for and love our father well. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to any of the following: BGA Lower School, 336 Ernest Rice Lane, Franklin, TN 37069; Harlinsdale Park, FOFP, P.O. Box 549, Franklin, TN 37065 or Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church, 435 Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064.

WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615 794-2289 williamsonmemorial.com