Irby Max Ford

Irby M. Ford was an only child born on January 17, 1932 in Weslaco, Texas to his parents, Irby and Pauline Ford. He attended and graduated from the Weslaco ISD. At the age of 18 years old, he joined the Texas National Guard from 1950 to 1953 as Motor Sergeant in Mercedes, Texas. While in the National Guard, he qualified as a marksman with the 30-cal. carbine. From 1953 to 1955, he was inducted in the United States Army as a Machine Gun Sgt. He attended The Artillery School in Fort Bliss, Texas; while he was there, he was awarded The National Defense Service Medal. During this time from 1950 to 1959, he was enrolled at The University of Texas-Pan American and graduated with a Business Bachelor of Arts and Math Bachelor of Arts. Continuing his education, Irby went on to Texas A&M University in Kingsville, Texas and graduated with his Master of Science in Business/Economics from 1959 to 1960.

In 1960, Irby went to work for The State of Texas Comptroller as an Auditor/Director Motor Fuel Tax Division until December of 1973. From 1973 to 1983, he started his business venture with his private practice of accounting. In May 1983, he started a new venture with Irby M. Ford Enterprises, Inc. On March 9, 1987, he passed The State Board of Accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant and founded Irby M. Ford & Associates, P.C.

Irby had a love for the Irish setter and, for a time, he bred and raised them. He loved flying and owned his own plane, The Aronica Champion, which he spoke of often; he was even part of a flying group at a local airport. Irby enjoyed going bird hunting, white wing dove was his bird of choice, but if an occasional morning dove flew by, he would not miss. He was an avid gun enthusiast and was a very proficient shot as well as a collector. In his spare time, he enjoyed learning about the Ford family history and would share his newfound information with his family. He enjoyed watching TV; he loved watching the stock market on FOX from open to close, western films including anything with John Wayne.

He was married to Patricia Ruth Starling in 1965 and they were divorced in 1989. Pat brought with her a daughter, Theresa Jane, whom Irby adopted and together, he and Pat, had two sons, Irby Max Jr. and Gregory Alan. He was loved by his children and their families for being a wonderful and caring father.

He is survived by his children, Irby Max Ford Jr. (Melissa Jordan), Gregory Ford (Leslie), and Theresa Doster; grandchildren, Archer, Johnathan, Lindsey (Heather), Ben, and Dunstan; great grandchildren, Beckett and Brennan. He is also survived by his business partner of over 40 years who he loved like a daughter, Beth Tyner, and her husband, Ed Stroope, who was a very good friend to Irby.

Irby built many friends from having them as clients for many years; he was loved and cherished and will be missed dearly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

January 17, 1932 to December 13, 2022.

RIP, Ford.