On Sunday, February 13, 2022, at 1am, Rev. Joe R. Ford went to be with His Lord and Savior at the age of 93. His immediate family surrounded him as he was ushered into God’s embrace after a short stay at Pine Pointe Hospice & Palliative Care, in Macon, Georgia. Brother Ford (as he was called) was a loyal husband, a loving father, and a faithful servant of God. He was an active member of Mikado Baptist Church where he faithfully attended weekly services, enjoyed involvement in the Golden Year Program, attempted to sing in the Senior Adult Choir, and volunteered to help wherever there was a need.
Bro. Ford was born and raised in Linden, TX, where he met his wife of 73 years, Mary Louise Lummus Ford. Bro. Ford and Mrs. Ford have six children, thirteen grandchildren, and twenty-two great grandchildren. The names of his six children are as follows (with spouses): Rita Weaver (Toby) from California; Mona Clark (Dennis) from Warner Robins, GA; Suza Rasmussen (Mark) from California; Joey Ford (Jacqueline) from Macon, GA; Lyla Curtis (Bill) from South Carolina; Lisa Smith (Rusty) from Macon, GA. One of the many aspects of his legacy is that all of his children serve in full-time Christian ministry. His grandchildren live in California, Michigan, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Thailand, Oregon, and Virginia.
Bro. Ford served his country as a sailor in the United States Navy for two years during the Korean War. He was called into ministry in the church and began his education at East Texas Baptist College in Huntsville, TX. From there, he and his young family moved to continue his education at Tennessee Temple College in Chattanooga, TN. He began his first pastorate in Jupiter, FL then served as pastor of churches in Springfield, CO, McIntyre, GA, and Murfreesboro, TN. He continued in full time Christian ministry at Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, TN. He also pastored small chapels in Jasper and Dayton, TN. He retired and moved to Macon, GA in 2007.
Space in this short obituary cannot contain the stories of the countless lives that were changed through his pastoral ministry, his continued involvement in the local church, and his warmth, care and ability to make people smile.
Funeral services will be held at Mikado Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 15. The viewing and visitation with the family will begin at 1pm with the funeral service at 2pm.
Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express tributes. Snow’s Memorial Chapel, 3077 Pio Nono Ave, Macon, GA 31206 has charge of arrangements.
