Mr. Thomas William Ford III

There are many people who move through this world quietly, but leave behind waves that never stop. Tommy was one of those rare souls. His life wasn’t measured in years—it was measured in memories, in laughter, in adventures, and in the kind of unconditional love that wrapped around anyone lucky enough to know him.

Tommy could fix anything—cars, motorcycles, broken toys, broken days. If it had screws, nuts, bolts, or feelings, he’d find a way to patch it up. He was the one you called, and he always showed up—no judgment, just a grin, a story, and usually a tool he pulled from somewhere like he’d hidden it just for this moment. Whether he was picking me up on a boat, cleaning out my car for the hundredth time, or rescuing someone with that famous toolbox, he was everyone’s Mr. Fix-It in every possible sense.

His life had chapters filled with hard work, too. He spent years with Naval Ordnance, doing the kind of behind-the-scenes jobs that keep the world turning safely, and later at Fort Knox, where he applied that same steady reliability and know-how. He was proud of the work he did, even if he never bragged about a thing.

Some of his happiest days were spent at the Greenwood boat dock, riding his Harley simply because the road existed, or floating in the water—sometimes so peacefully that he’d wake up still there, like the water refused to let him go. His love of the water started long before that, during his time in the Navy, and it flowed right into the heart of our family memories. He was a natural in the water, a natural on the road, a natural at loving people.

Kids adored him, and he adored them. Tommy lived boldly—beating to his own drum, following his own compass, helping anyone who needed him without hesitation or second thought.

Tommy leaves behind a family who loved him fiercely and unconditionally:

Daughter Amanda “Mandy” McClain (Jason), Bonus Daughter Misty Proctor, siblings Mary Brauner (Bobby), Francis “Frankie” Taylor, Ken Ford, Robert “Bobby” Ford (Dana), and Margaret “Peggy” Wampler. Grandchildren Chase, Haley (Joe), Madison (Dalton), Dylan (Abby), Devin, Jay, and Drew. Great-grandchildren Bentley, Jolene, and one on the way. And a host of nieces and nephews he loved with all his heart.

He is preceded in death by his wife Pamela Kaye Ford; parents Thomas William Ford and Laura Back Ford; brother Martin “Marty” Ford; sister-in-law Sharon Ford; and brother-in-law Tom Taylor.

Tommy moved through this life quietly, humbly, and full of love—but the waves he made will keep rolling for generations.

Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Heady - Hardy Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central. Memorial Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. and then again on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 11:30 a.m until the Memorial Hour of 1:00 p.m. also at the Heady - Hardy Funeral Home.