Charles Edward 'Buddy' Ford

Charles Edward (Buddy) Ford, Jr., died January 25, 2016. A lifelong Tampa resident, he was born in St. Petersburg October 26, 1923, and attended Sacred Heart School, Jesuit High School, and the University of Florida, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering. As President of Ford Plumbing Co., he managed accounts which included institutions such as St. Joseph’s Hospital and Anheuser Busch Brewery in Tampa, until he retired. He served our country in the United States Navy and was a former member of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, Merrymakers Club, Tampa Yacht and Country Club, Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, and the Downtown Tampa Rotary Club. Preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Torbett Ford, parents Charles E. Ford, Sr., and Marjorie Sales Ford, and nephew, James E. Ford, his survivors include his daughters, Nancy J. (CJo) Ford, Tampa, and Charlton M. Ford, Mobile, AL; grandchildren Genevieve T. Mashburn, Charleston, SC, Ford R. Cheeseman, Tampa, and Sean Michael Duffy, New Orleans, LA; brother and sister-in-law George and Betty Ford; nephews and family, George and Sandra Ford, Mark and Shelley Ford; and great nephews and families, George and Kimberly Ford and Spencer Ford. Mr. Ford, a true southern gentleman, was the devoted husband of Nancy Torbett Ford for fifty-one years, as well as a loving father and a very proud Grandfather. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, and collecting art, antiques, and exotic birds of all varieties. He was also a talented artist and gardener. Pallbearers include Ford Ross Cheeseman, Sean Michael Duffy, George Ford, Jr., Mark Ford, George Ford III, and Spencer Ford. A memorial graveside service for family will be held Monday, February 1, 2016, at Myrtle Hill Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at the Fords’ residence from 11:30 to 2:00. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Tampa Bay History Center, 813/675-8991 www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/donate/