Bobby Edward Ford

Mr. Ford was funny, kind and sociable. He was family oriented and managed to always find time for boat rides on the lake, hiking in the mountains, playing the saxophone alongside his grandson, maintaining a friendly rivalry between Georgia Tech and UGA, giving piggyback rides and being the dealer during family game nights. It was evident that he loved his wife, children and grandchildren more than anything.

Mr. Ford enjoyed sports. He had a fantasy football league and played tennis. He was a "Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech" with about half of the family while the other half's bark was bigger than their bite rooting for UGA. He was a great multi-tasker and managed to watch up to 5 games at once and actually know what was going on.

Mr. Ford enjoyed traveling. He found joy in the mountains, on the beachside or on the lake. He enjoyed the water so much, he had a beach house and boat for his family gatherings and a great place to drink a good beer or good glass of wine.

Mr. Ford loved serving his community and country. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran who completed his duty as an AZ1(AW). His military career began in 1966 when he was drafted. He proudly served 4 years active duty and fought during the Vietnam War. He then served an additional 22 years in the reserves before retiring in 2003 with an honorable discharge. Mr. Ford also worked as an officer in the California Highway Patrol, and as an accountant with combined federal service of 34 years at the Veteran’s Administration and the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon his retirement from CDC in 2008, he quickly realized that he did not enjoy idle hands and was excited to accept a security guard position when approached by Walden Security. He was a man whose strong work ethic and dependability were admired and respected by his co-workers, friends, and family.

Mr. Ford's memory will be cherished by his wife of 34 years, Carol Ford; children, Alicia (Traie) Walton, Melissa (Sean) Hessenthaler, Keri (Brian) Blalock and Ryan (Loren) Ford; grandchildren, Rhianna Walton, Parker Blalock, Cayden Blalock, Noah Hessenthaler, Ava Reese Blalock, and Sadie Hessenthaler; sister, Clevie Rosanna Shope; and countless friends.

As per Bobby's wishes, an intimate, private family committal will be held on Friday, July 20, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Georgia National Cemetery. For those attending this private service, please arrive at the cemetery's office between 1:45 pm - 2:00 pm in order to line up in the processional lane. A Public Celebration of Life will be held at a future date for family and friends to come together for fellowship. This date and location will be announced upon final arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation, in Mr. Ford's honor, to either the American Diabetes Association or the Department of Veteran Affairs.