Roger Michael Ford

Roger Michael Ford, age 70, of Clayton, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Born on January 29, 1955, in Raleigh, North Carolina, he was a son to the late Leonard Ford and Thelma Stevens Ford.

Roger graduated in May 1973, from El Dorado High School, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Roger was a former sergeant in the United States Airforce from 1976 to 1981, later going into the Reserves. He started a career in biopharma manufacturing at Ajinomoto in 1982. Roger spent the next 41.5 years there, holding various positions in different departments across the plant. Along the way, he made many lifelong friends and in doing so, inspired his son, Shawn, to pursue a career in this industry. Roger retired from Ajinomoto in August of 2023.

When he was younger, he liked to paint various scenic paintings. Throughout his life, he was a hard worker, loved being outdoors, enjoyed carpentry and taking care of his family. He enjoyed building large bonfires and having friends and family over. Over the years, he built many large piles of underbrush, yard debris, and fallen trees until the weather got cooler. Often, he would have friends over, sharing a few drinks, and blasting his old boombox to some classic rock or country radio. He would stay up late into the night and ensure the fire was contained before finally coming in to sleep. You’d know he was back inside because he smelled just like burnt wood – a pretty core memory for Roger’s son Shawn growing up.

He took pride in his work and held himself to a high standard of quality when building or creating something. He enjoyed animals and was fond of his cats, particularly Floyd and Chomper. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, Bella and Noah. Dad loved a good bonfire.

Roger is preceded in death by his siblings, Gerald, Allen (Al), Leonard (Peanut), Evelyn, Peggy, Carol, Ann, Jean, Brenda, and Steve.

He is survived by his wife, Chiko Ford; sons: Shawn and Brandon Ford; and grandchildren,

Bella and Noah (Shawn’s children).