Hunter Christopher Ford

Born on May 2, 2004, Hunter was a bright light in every life he touched. He was a son, brother, and friend whose kindness, humor, and compassion radiated wherever he went. Hunter had the rare gift of making others feel seen and valued. If you talked with him for even ten minutes, it felt like you had known him your whole life.

Hunter had a deep curiosity and love for the world around him. He loved the outdoors, so he swam, snorkeled, scuba dived, surfed, boogie boarded, paddle boarded, bicycled, skateboarded, fished, and just generally loved to explore. Just a week before his passing he was looking to buy himself a boat. He was also very skilled with technology. He coded, built AIs, flew drones, played video games with friends, did photography, edited photos and videos, and of course video logging on Instagram. Hunter loved music as well. He played guitar in high school at Douglas Anderson, he was very proud of his bass boosted speakers in his Chevy Blazer, and he always showed off new songs he discovered. Additionally, Hunter cared a lot about his personal health. He loved to work out at the gym and met many friends there, he rock climbed at UNF, and just back in June he started to learn to cook for himself. Hunter had a creative spirit and expressed his child-like wonder in many ways.

He was the kind of person who always put others before himself. Hunter’s ability to make you laugh didn’t come from telling jokes, it came from spreading happiness. He was gentle, selfless, and endlessly caring. As he grew older, he began to realize how deeply others loved him, far beyond what he could have imagined.

Hunter cherished his family above all else. He is survived by his loving parents, Chris and Lisa Ford, his sister Zoe Ford, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and countless friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

A Celebration of Hunter’s Life will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, located at 850 St. Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, Florida 32225. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a soul who gave so much light in his short time with us.

Hunter lived with a heart wide open and gave more love and joy in 21 years than most do in a lifetime. His spirit will forever inspire kindness, creativity, and laughter in those who knew him.

A Go Fund Me account has been set up to help the family of Hunter. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-the-family-of-hunter-ford

Links to the Livestream will be live on Sunday, October 19, 2025:

https://www.youtube.com/live/aHKExTAmzcE

https://www.youtube.com/live/pIFcDikD9W4

The Camera

The camera sees all

It captures one’s true self

Takes a picture to share them with the world

When they couldn’t do it themselves

The camera can see friendship

Even when the people cannot

It brings people together

Those you would’ve never thought

It catches laughter and smiles

When you’re not paying attention

The camera spreads love

Beyond our comprehension

The camera has given so much

Many pictures and videos over these 21 years

Memories to cherish forever

We may look over with tears

The camera has worked so hard

And lived the best, most busy life

It is time to let the camera rest

But we will keep its’ memories forever, well into our afterlife

-Zoe Ford