William Benjamin "Bill" Ford Ethelsville, Alabama - William Benjamin "Bill" Ford, 74, died July 31, 2005, at his home in Ethelsville, Alabama. Mr. Ford was born February 27, 1931, in Lamar County, AL, the son of the late: Robert Lee and Lillian Kirkland Ford, Sr. He served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) during the Korean Conflict. After his military service, he graduated from Mississippi State University with a Degree in Education, where he also received his Master's degree. He coached and taught for seven years before serving as the Principal of Caldwell High School until his retirement in 1987. He also spent one year as football coach at Central Academy in Macon, MS. During his retirement, Mr. Ford enjoyed farming, gardening, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He married Helen Virginia Fondren Ford on March 18, 1951, and they were married for 54 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 2, 2005, at 2:00 PM from Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Roy Hawkins and assisted by Reverend Nick Cannady officiating. Visitation will be Monday 6:00-9:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home. Memorial Funeral Home of Columbus is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include Wife of 54 years: Virginia F. Ford of Ethelsville, AL, 1 Daughter: Carol Ford Phelps and husband Wayne of Starkville, MS, 2 Sons: William Benjamin Ford, Jr. and wife Jan of Columbus, MS, and John R. Ford of Columbus, MS. 4 Grandaughters: Ginnie Durr and husband William of Starkville, MS, Laura Gazaway and husband Tim of Houston, MS, Sara Ford of Columbus, MS, and Rachel Ford of Columbus, MS, and by 10 Great Grandchildren, 1 Sister: Gladys Wilson of Tupelo, MS, and 1 Brother: Robert Lee Ford, Jr. of Columbus, MS, and Numerous Nieces and Nephews. Pallbearers will be Steven Durr, William Durr, Bob Ford, Tim Gazaway, Adam Parker, and Bob Wilson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Men of Pine Grove Community, Pine Grove Hunting Club, Men of Cross Roads Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church, Stanley Harpole, Clifton Gore, Wayne Eaves, Jim Newell, Donnie Goss, Charlie Newell, Harold Marlow, Bob Redwood, Ortho Brown, Tuffy Bourland, Dwight Andrews, Scott Murrah, Tri Lakes Hunting and Fishing Club, J.V. Carr, and Evans Page.
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