Donald "Donnie" Ray Ford

Funeral services for Donnie Ford, 73, of White Plains, will be April 16th, 2023, 3:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church of White Plains. Pastor Eric Snider and Bro. Philip Smith will be officiating. Burial will follow at Rabbittown Baptist Church Cemetery. The family would like to welcome friends at 1:30 p.m., until time for his service.

Pallbearers will be Zack Ford, Dylan Burns, Christian Ford, Brock Burns, Phillip Faulkner, and Tommy Clay. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the “Over the Hill Gang" and the White Plains Elementary School bus drivers, administration and faculty.

Donnie was born on February 26, 1950, in Choccolocco, AL. After a battle with cancer, he entered his eternal home in Heaven on April 12th, surrounded by friends and family.

He leaves behind Diane, his lifetime sweetheart and loving wife of nearly 53 years; his children, Robye Burns (Heath) and Rodney Ford (Caroline); his half-brother, Jeremy Ford; grandchildren, Zack Ford (Meredith), Dylan Burns (Jennifer), Christian Ford (Kaitlyn), Brock Burns, and Lawson Ford; great-grandchildren, Briley Ford, Paxton Ford, and Saylor Burns.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Fletcher Ford and Thelma Ford Gilley. Donnie was a life-long resident of the Choccolocco and White Plains area.

Those that remember him from high school, remember him as a tremendous athlete, no matter the sport. During his high school years, he won several awards in baseball and basketball. He graduated from White Plains High School in 1968. After high school, his love for sports continued. He went on to coach many young athletes over the years, to include his son and daughter. In 1970, he followed in his Dad’s footsteps and began his career in racing. Donnie raced dirt track until the mid-80’s. His love for golf became his number one sport later in life. He loved watching Alabama Football and NASCAR.

He continued to support White Plains Athletics, whether it was coaching or supporting them from the stands. He took great pride in watching his grandchildren play for the Wildcats. He was a dedicated member of the Over The Hill Gang.

Throughout his working career, he made many life-long friends. He currently held a position as a school bus driver for Calhoun County School System. This, by far, was his favorite job of all time.

His love for life was evident throughout his lifetime, doing the things he loved most. However, in 1994, he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and in his own words, that is when he found real love. From that moment on, he became a new man, loving his Jesus.