Edward "Ed" Joseph Ford, age 88, of Novi, passed away April 26, 2020. Ed was born November 22, 1931 in Reading, Pennsylvania, the son of Edward Joseph Ford and Irene Catherine Reigraf. He graduated from LaSalle High School in Philadelphia, PA, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from LaSalle University. He went on to receive his Master of Business Administration from The University of Detroit.
On December 15, 1951 Ed married his "girl next door", Shirley Preston Benson. They immediately moved to Great Britain where Ed served in the Air Force during the Korean War, and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. After completing his tour of duty, they returned to the U.S. and settled down in Fox Chase, PA. In 1957 they moved to Independence, MO where Ed took a position with Ford Motor Company at a plant located in Claycomo, MO. In 1963 Ed was promoted and relocated to Michigan. Ed worked for Ford Motor Company for 35 years, and retired as the Program Timing Manager for the Automotive Assembly Division.
After retiring, Ed and Shirley worked together at Real Estate One, where Shirley served as the Manager of the Plymouth, MI office. Ed served as the in-house real estate appraiser. After 5 years, Ed and Shirley fully retired and relocated to a lake home at Canadian Lakes in Mecosta County, MI. After several years of lakeside living and traveling, they "downsized" and moved to Milford, MI to be closer to family.
Ed was a committed Christian, and served as a lay Pastor and Elder. He led and supported numerous Bible Studies and Small Groups. He loved reading, traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with friends, family, and his beloved wife Shirley.
Ed is survived by his wife Shirley Ford, son Edward (Andrea) Ford of Bloomfield Hills, MI, daughter Sharon (Scott) Smith of Novi, MI, and son Dr. Stephen (Carla) Ford of Colorado Springs, CO. As well as his grandchildren, Stacey (Matthew) St. Charles, Karrie (Mitch) Maier, Bryan (Christine) Smith, Scott (Rochelle) Smith, Edward Ford III, Madison Ford, Natalie Ford, Jake Ford, Tess Ford, and Katie Ford. Ed also is survived by nine great-grandchildren.
PRIVATE - Visitation will be held Thursday, April 30, 2020 from 5:00pm until the time of the Funeral Service at 6:00pm at the Highland Chapel of the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 3295 E. Highland Road, Highland. Pastor Brian Tweedie to officiate.
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