LANCASTER—On Saturday, September 15, 2018, William Clark “Bill” Ford, a loving husband who adored his three daughters, passed away at age 76 from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Bill was born on May 4, 1942, in Gainesville, Fla., to Avis Berry Ford and William Adam Grimsley Ford. He was a licensed Professional Engineer who received his bachelor’s and master’s of science in civil engineering from Missouri S&T.
On June 11, 1966, he married Sara Elizabeth Baker. Bill and Sara raised three daughters, Susan Riddle Brady, Kristin Anstine and Melissa Epstein.
As a captain in the U.S. Army, he received The Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. He worked for the State of Missouri for 17 years, during which time he was the director of environmental quality. He retired to the Northern Neck in 2011 after serving as the senior vice president of the National Stone Sand and Gravel Association.
Bill enjoyed sailing, cooking, jazz, fixing things, fostering dogs and spending time with family. His cinnamon rolls and spaghetti sauce were legendary. He was known for his kind heart, being a true gentleman, his public speaking ability and the bad jokes and awful puns that made his family groan.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Adam Grimsley Ford; his mother, Avis Berry Ford; and brother, Dr. Thomas Edward Ford.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sara; his three children, Susan and her husband, Dave; Kristi and her husband, Dwight; and Melissa and her husband, Grant. He will also be fondly remembered by his nine grandchildren, Leanne, Christopher, Caitlin, Kevin, Jessica, Lauren, Lindsey, Luke and Evan; and his sister, Mary Sue Henzey; niece and nephews; and his canine companion of 12 years, Snickers.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, September 20, at Historic White Marsh Church, 11040 Mary Ball Road, Lancaster, followed by a reception at the Woman’s Club of Lancaster County, 8389 Mary Ball Road, Lancaster (next to Mary Ball museum in Lancaster Courthouse).
Memorial donations, in honor of Bill’s life, may be made to Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck (AWL), P.O. Box 975, White Stone, VA 22578; or Historic White Marsh Church, P.O. Box 24, Lancaster, VA 22503.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
