Wayne Joseph Ford

Wayne Joseph Ford, 74, passed away in Bella Vista, Arkansas on February 27, 2021. He passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family in his favorite living room spot, classic rock blaring and most assuredly clothed in one of his Hot Rod T-Shirts. He was born on June 8, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Joseph F and Joan E (Phenna) Ford. He was the loving husband of Bonnie (Busch) Ford for 50 Years. Yes, 50!

Wayne will forever be the most wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Bonnie of Bella Vista; son, Darren and daughter-in-law, Daela and his grandchildren, Ryan, Kaitlynn, Madelyn, and Ashlynn all of Centerton, Arkansas; his son, David, daughter-in-law, Shaneen and his twin grandchildren Raylan and Phenna Grace of the Outer Banks of North Carolina; and brother Richard who can be found somewhere in the Mojave Desert. He was so very loved by all of them.

Wayne proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army’s Americal Division of the 196th Infantry Brigade 2nd Batallion 1st Infantry during the Vietnam War discovering he had been drafted in 1968 while in the southern tip of Mexico on a road trip in his brand new Camaro with his good friend and a trunk full of cold beer. After returning home he met the love of his life, Bonnie, while cruising Harbor Blvd in Anaheim, CA in that fateful 1968 Z28 Camaro. He was always ready for a good time whether catching a rock show on the Sunset Strip in the 60’s and 70’s or dancing with his Grandchildren to Disney movies during the 2020’s. He leaves his family with a love of Eric Clapton’s music and yet one more Corvette parked in the garage.

Wayne had the privilege of being an entrepreneur alongside Bonnie for 35 years; together they traveled all around the country displaying their wares of pocketknives and jewelry. Visiting State Fairs and Outdoors Shows they forged lasting friendships where Wayne was known for his amazing ability to listen and impart his incomparable wisdom. He genuinely cared for everyone he met no matter where they came from or who they were, he always made time to listen intently. Even though he may have been the most captivating storyteller his proudest accomplishment was being the patriarch to such an amazing family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 13th, 2:00pm at his son Darren’s home - 1610 West Centerton Blvd, Centerton, Arkansas. Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate Wayne’s life. We just ask you bring a positive story or two from your time with him to share with the family. The dress code is sweatpants and T-shirts because Wayne wouldn’t want it any other way.

A memorial service will follow on March 15th, at 2:30pm at the Fayetteville National Cemetery located at 700 S. Government Avenue, Fayetteville, Arkansas where his memorial will reside. He and his memory will forever live in our hearts and stories of his wonderful life.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Wayne’s favorite charity, Wounded Warriors at: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=170