Mr. Willie James Ford passed away quietly Monday at his home at the age of 87. A native of Montgomery, AL and the son of the late Josephus and Bessie Mae Edward Ford, "William" as he was affectionately known, received his Bachelor's degree from Alabama State University and his Master's degree from Columbus College (now Columbus State University). A classroom educator in Muscogee County for over some 31 years before retirement, his last tenure was at Kendrick High School. He also served as a Test Administrator at Ft. Benning, GA (now Ft. Moore). A very devout Christian, he was a member of First African Baptist Church and its Deacons Ministry, Mass Choir and Male Chorus. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Retired Georgia Teacher Association. Other than his parents, Josephus and Bessie Mae Edward Ford, he was preceded in death by five siblings, Joseph Ford, Lillie Mae Pitts, Wallace Ford, Edward Ford and Eugene Ford.

Survivors include two daughters, Kim Ford Thomas (Bishop Michael) and Crystal L. Harris; two grandchildren, Sarah Alexis Harris and John Wesley Harris III; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Ford will be laid to rest at Evergreen Memorial Park on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 after an Eleven O'clock A.M. Homegoing Celebration in the sanctuary of First African Baptist Church officiated by Pastor Roderick B. Green. There will be no public visitation.

There will be an Omega Service held on Tuesday at 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Progressive.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the International Children Art Foundation (www.icaf.org).

The Progressive Staff is privileged to serve the Ford Family.

Interment

Aug

21

Evergreen Memorial Park

4500 St Marys Rd
Columbus, GA 31907

Homegoing Celebration

Aug

21

First African Baptist Church

Columbus, GA 31901

11:00 AM