Larry Ray Ford, Sr. of Smithfield, Virginia passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, August 14, 2019. Son of Luther and Dorothy Ford, he was born in Johnstown, PA October 1, 1946. He went on to join the United States Navy at the age of 19 where he served on a troop transport ship, The USS Chilton (APA-38) during the Vietnam War. Upon leaving the service in 1969, he settled down in the Hampton Roads area where he continued to serve his country at Newport News Shipbuilding Company, where he retired 35 years later. Larry has been a staple of the Smithfield community since 1981 and was frequently seen assisting others and helping stranded motorists.
Larry is survived by his devoted wife Beryl, his children Michael Paul “Big Mike”, Larry Ray Jr., Michael Lee, Gerald Miles “Jerry”, Laura Lynn, Ashley Jeanette Loveless “AJ”, and two stepsons John and Jack Watkins. He also had 10 ½ grandchildren (one on the way) whom he loved very much.
Larry will be remembered as a deeply devoted “Pop” who instilled incredible values in his children and was also a very loving husband. He was a deeply patriotic man who loved the United States of America from the bottom of his heart.
Larry’s services will be held Sunday August 18, 2019 with visitation at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, located at 2551 N Armistead Ave. Hampton VA from 12:00 p.m.-1:30 pm.
A graveside service will begin promptly at 2:00 pm at Hampton Veterans Memorial Gardens located at 155 Butler Farm Road with military honors.
The family will receive family and friends for a celebration of life ceremony immediately following the burial. Celebration ceremony will be held at the American Legion Post # 25, 7609 Marshall Ave in Newport News, where we will share memories, food, and fellowship in his honor.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.parklawn-woodfh.com “GOD BE WITH HIM”.
