Roland Joseph Ledet's Obituary
Roland Joseph Ledet died at home on Friday, January 24, 2020 at the age of 92.
Beloved husband of almost 70 years to Billie June Willis Ledet. Loving father of Linda M. Ledet, Ann C. Ledet and the late Susan E. Ledet. Also survived by grandchildren: Nicole Lambert Lapeyrolerie (Kenny), James Joseph Lambert, Matthew Ledet Hirschler; great-grandchildren, Jenay Lapeyrolerie, Miah Lapeyrolerie and Aiyana Lapeyrolerie. Son of the late Lenore Adams Ledet and Albert Ledet. Brother of Hazel Uzee and the late Beverly Ledet, Albert Ledet II and Harris Ledet.
Mr. Ledet was born in Larose and lived most of his life in the New Orleans and Tampa Bay areas. He was educated at Tulane University and the United States Armed Forces Institute.
Mr. Ledet served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict, during which he earned numerous awards and decorations.
During his lifelong career in the export business he was Vice President of Transcontinental Export Import Inc, President of Trimex International Inc, Executive Vice President of the Transoceanic Group, all of New Orleans and Vice President of Root International Inc. of Tampa. In addition, he was President and General Manager of R.J. Ledet & Associates Inc, an export consulting firm. Also, he was a founding member and Vice President of the World Trade Center Tampa Bay and founding member of the Baton Rouge International Council.
Mr. Ledet was a former member of several other professional organizations including The World Trade Center New Orleans, The Export Managers Club of New Orleans, Tampa Bay International Trade Council, International Export-Import Association, Acadiana International Business Council, Mississippi International Trade Club, International Traders Guild, World Trade Association and the American Association of Business Consultants.
He was a frequent speaker on export topics at seminars and conferences sponsored by U.S. and State Government Agencies plus universities and business entities. He also authored numerous “How To” articles published in export business magazines. Mr. Ledet was multi-lingual and traveled extensively through Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Orient.
He was an amateur archaeologist, collector of Pre-Columbian and African artifacts and was a member of The Archaeologist Institute of America.
Also, he was an award winning photographer and member of the Photographic Society of America, serving as photo-journalist for “The Stars and Stripes” newspaper in Germany.
Being one of the SCUBA diving pioneers in the New Orleans area, he was a founding member of the first local diving club, The Dixie Divers and was a certified international open water diver.
Truly a beautiful and amazing man.
A life well lived.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 on Friday, January 31, 2020 at 11:30 AM with visitation on Friday beginning at 9:30 AM.
Interment will follow in Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.
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