Obituary for Edwin Roy Ford
Edwin Roy Ford passed away on February 14, 2021, after failing to recover from Covid-19. Ed was born in West Bend, AL on January 22, 1926 to John Huey Ford and Margaret Scruggs Ford. When he was four years old, his family moved to Thomasville, AL where he spent most of his life. Ed was a veteran of World War II serving in the Army Air Force in the 68th Bomb Squadron, 44th Bomb Group (The Flying Eightballs). After the war, he attended Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL and obtained a bachelor’s degree in business. There he met and married his wife, Barbara Cayley (deceased). They were married for 65 years.
Ed returned to his hometown of Thomasville in 1966 with his wife and three children. Many in the area knew him as their “insurance man”. He worked for Liberty National Life Insurance Company for 28 years. After retiring from the company in 1985, Ed continued to sell other types of insurance on a part-time basis.
Ed was a charter member of the Thomasville Lions Club, where he faithfully served for over 50 years. Even after Ed moved to Thomasville Health Care and Rehabilitation Center (THCRC, now Crowne Health Care), fellow Lions would drop in to visit after the Tuesday night meetings keeping him up-to-date on the club.
Ed was a longtime member of the Thomasville United Methodist Church. He was a member of the sanctuary choir for 50 years. He finally “retired” from the choir loft at the age of 90. Ed was active in other areas of the church over the years. He served as Sunday School superintendent, on many committees, and as a delegate to the Annual Conference. One of his favorite groups was the ecumenical men’s prayer group that met on Monday mornings in the Methodist Church fellowship hall. This small faithful group was a spiritual rock for him as they supported each other and prayed for their community. Prior to the pandemic, the group continued to be active and would often meet in Ed’s room at THCRC.
Ed is survived by his children, Melanie Ford Kelley (Haynes), Stephen Gough Ford, and Melissa Ford Taylor (Alex). He is also survived by six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and his beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff and many volunteers at Thomasville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for their loving care over the last two years. They were such a blessing to him.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to: The Thomasville Lions Club, c/o Glen Elmore, President, 6465 Chilton Road, Grove Hill, AL 36451 or Thomasville United Methodist Church, 110 Old Highway 5 North, Thomasville, AL 36784.
Graveside memorial services to celebrate Ed’s life will be held at Choctaw Corner Cemetery on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 11:00 am with Dr. Larry Teasley officiating.
Ed’s family would like to invite all who would want to attend but, encourages everyone to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Arrangements by O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home.
Ed returned to his hometown of Thomasville in 1966 with his wife and three children. Many in the area knew him as their “insurance man”. He worked for Liberty National Life Insurance Company for 28 years. After retiring from the company in 1985, Ed continued to sell other types of insurance on a part-time basis.
Ed was a charter member of the Thomasville Lions Club, where he faithfully served for over 50 years. Even after Ed moved to Thomasville Health Care and Rehabilitation Center (THCRC, now Crowne Health Care), fellow Lions would drop in to visit after the Tuesday night meetings keeping him up-to-date on the club.
Ed was a longtime member of the Thomasville United Methodist Church. He was a member of the sanctuary choir for 50 years. He finally “retired” from the choir loft at the age of 90. Ed was active in other areas of the church over the years. He served as Sunday School superintendent, on many committees, and as a delegate to the Annual Conference. One of his favorite groups was the ecumenical men’s prayer group that met on Monday mornings in the Methodist Church fellowship hall. This small faithful group was a spiritual rock for him as they supported each other and prayed for their community. Prior to the pandemic, the group continued to be active and would often meet in Ed’s room at THCRC.
Ed is survived by his children, Melanie Ford Kelley (Haynes), Stephen Gough Ford, and Melissa Ford Taylor (Alex). He is also survived by six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and his beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff and many volunteers at Thomasville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for their loving care over the last two years. They were such a blessing to him.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to: The Thomasville Lions Club, c/o Glen Elmore, President, 6465 Chilton Road, Grove Hill, AL 36451 or Thomasville United Methodist Church, 110 Old Highway 5 North, Thomasville, AL 36784.
Graveside memorial services to celebrate Ed’s life will be held at Choctaw Corner Cemetery on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 11:00 am with Dr. Larry Teasley officiating.
Ed’s family would like to invite all who would want to attend but, encourages everyone to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Arrangements by O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home.