He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard Albright Ford and Ethel Beatrice (Bostick) Ford.
Robert is survived by his wife of 59 years, Boyce A. (Vanlandingham) Ford, children, Robert W. Ford, Jr. (Lauren) of Germantown, TN., Dana Lynne Penny (Jeff) of Arlington, TN.
Grandchildren, Amanda Lynne Penny, Connor Wayne Ford, brother, Willard A. Ford, Jr. (Ruth) of Ocala, FL.
Robert was a 1957 graduate of Memphis Technical High School, he attended Shelby State Community College.
Robert served on the City of Memphis Fire Department for 30 years (retired as 30-year captain) and also served 25 years in the Tennessee Air National Guard. He was a member and former officer of the International Association of Firefighters Local 1784. He was a member of Central Church, Collierville, TN
He had a tremendous love of life, kind heart and resilient spirit. He loved movies, a good game of Pinochle, and attending his grandson’s baseball games. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, and will be greatly missed.
The service will be held on Wednesday, July 29 at 2:00 p.m. CST, Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel with the visitation one-hour prior from 1-2 p.m. CST.
The burial will be held August 6, at 11 a.m. CST, at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions:
Memphis Fire Fighters Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Heart Association.
