Christopher Wayne Ford

Christopher Wayne Ford, 45, passed away on August 18, 2026, after a life defined by love, service, faith, family, and an unwavering commitment to the people he cared about most. He was born on April 8, 1981, and leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the titles he held.

Chris proudly served 20 years in the United States Navy, dedicating his life to serving his country and the people beside him. He retired in July 2020 as an Operations Specialist Master Chief, a rank that reflected not only his years of service and experience, but also the leadership, dedication, and respect he earned throughout his career.

But while Chris was proud of his military career, his greatest accomplishments had nothing to do with rank.

He was, above all else, a husband, father, coach, friend, and man of faith.

Chris was a wonderful husband who loved making his wife laugh. He had a way of bringing humor into everyday life and believed that even on the hard days, there was always room for a smile. He loved deeply and gave his heart completely.

As a father, Chris was extraordinary. His son, Aden Joseph “AJ,” was his greatest pride and joy. Chris began coaching AJ in sports when he was just four years old and never stopped showing up. He would go to extraordinary lengths for his son and was not only AJ’s father, but one of his biggest supporters, teachers, coaches, and best friends.

Chris’s love of football became another way he poured himself into the lives of young people. He was a beloved middle school coach with the Providence Stallions and the Junior Development League (JDL). He coached far more than football. He coached confidence, discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and character. To the players he coached, he was not simply the guy holding a whistle on the sideline. He was someone who believed in them, challenged them, encouraged them, and genuinely cared about who they became.

And yes, Chris had his teams.

He was a fiercely loyal fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Miami Dolphins, and anyone who knew him understood that those loyalties were not casual. There was no need to ask where he stood on game day—you probably already knew, and if you didn’t, he was more than happy to explain it to you.

Above everything else, Chris was a man of faith. He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with his whole heart. His faith was not something he kept to himself. Chris wanted everyone to know how much Jesus Christ loved them. He shared his faith openly, loved people deeply, and sought to make a difference in the lives of those around him. His greatest desire was for others to know the same hope, grace, and love that he found through Christ.

Chris had an incredible heart. He loved big, gave generously, showed up for people, and made an impact wherever he went. He was the kind of person who could make a room laugh, a young athlete believe in himself, a friend feel supported, and a family member feel loved.

He leaves behind a family and community who will miss him more than words can express. His absence will be felt on football fields, in living rooms, at family gatherings, during game days, and in all the ordinary moments that will never feel quite so ordinary without him.

Chris may have retired from the Navy, but he never really retired from being a leader, coach, husband, father, and protector.

He loved deeply. He served faithfully. He coached passionately. He laughed often. He believed fiercely.

And he loved Jesus.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

Christopher Wayne Ford will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Jennifer Ford; his son, Aden Joseph “AJ” Ford; his mother, Elva Ford; his sisters, Amanda Brownfield and Erica Homod; and his beloved nieces and nephews, who adored him and knew him as Bobo: Dylan Rose, Sierra Homod, Courtney Jackson, Leah Homod, Hunter Homod, Ashley Johns, Briana Garcia, and Noah Garcia.

He is also survived by extended family, lifelong friends, fellow service members, coaches, athletes, and countless others whose lives he touched throughout his 45 years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bo Ford, as well as his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

SERVICES

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Hardage-Giddens Legacy Lodge.

A celebration of Chris’s life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at The Church of Eleven22.

Additional service details will be provided by the family.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6