Donald "Don" Rufus Ford

Don grew up on a farm in the spectacular Appalachian Mountains. He went to Maryville College and then to dental school at the University of Tennessee in Memphis – he was a cashier at a restaurant by Sun Records and saw several country greats come through. He joined the U.S. Air Force as a dentist and officer and, after being stationed at Dobbins, decided to make Atlanta his home. He opened an office in East Point. Around that time, he met Katherine Burgess, whom he married in 1965.

In 1969, Don went through orthodontic training in New Jersey and then opened a busy practice in East Point. He moved to Fayetteville, Georgia, where he started a second office, as well as a family.

In his later years, Don enjoyed old cars, traveling, fishing, reading, and being with his grandchildren. His last ten years of life were especially happy ones. Don was an authentic, meticulous, fun-loving person, intelligent and urban but still a mountain man at heart.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, parents and brothers. He is survived by his children, Donna (Ford) Gober (and husband Geoffrey) and Douglas Ford (and wife Ximena), as well as grandchildren Jack, Katherine, Emma, and Haley, all of whom he loved dearly.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Donald Rufus Ford will be held on October 6, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. in Kellett Chapel at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta.