Mr. Bruce Charles Ford Sr., of Parksley, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock, just one day shy of his 69th birthday. Born on Nov. 25, 1955, in Willow Grove, Del., he was the son of James Thomas Ford Sr. and Thelma Beatrice Ford.
A proud graduate of Caesar Rodney High School in Delaware, Bruce lived life with energy and determination. He was a long-distance runner for most of his life, a brown belt in karate, an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves, and could listen to the blues until the cows came home. In the 1970s his family moved to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where he started his own family and lived for the rest of his life.
A hard-working man, Bruce dedicated decades of his life to Perdue before continuing his career with Valley Proteins after their acquisition of the rendering operations.
Bruce was a devoted family man who rarely missed a youth sporting event. Cheering on games near and far, he was always there to watch his grandchildren swing for the fences.
Coaching came naturally to Bruce — he enthusiastically guided his children in every sport that captured their interest. Stubborn as a mule and a touch hard-headed, according to his kids, Bruce had a big heart that always ensured he showed up when it mattered most.
He found peace riding the creeks with his loyal dog, Jessie, and longtime love, Mary, where the beauty of the Eastern Shore brought him joy.
Bruce is survived by his children, Gregory Charles “Greg” Ford (Amy), of Dingley’s Mill, Bruce Charles “Chuck” Ford Jr. (Shanna), of Melfa, Joshua Charles “Josh” Ford (Caitlin), of Onley, and Mary Louise Ford, of McLean; honorary son, Stewart Annis, of Parksley; loving partner, Mary Riser, of Parksley; sisters, Rosemarie “Rosie” Thompson and Nancy Lee Ford, both of Delaware; grandchildren, Kerry, Kacey, Grayson, Hudson, Colin, Kylie, Isabella, Brynlee, and Dylan; and furbabies, Thelma and Bear.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Thelma Ford; siblings, James “Dickie” Ford Jr., Thelma “Sissy” Barbour, and Herman Hurd “Doc” Ford; and precious sidekick and companion, Jessie (his furbaby).
Per his request, no public service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bruce’s memory to the Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418, http://www.shorespca.com; the Nandua High School Booster Club, 26350 Lankford Highway, Onley, VA 23418; and American Diabetes Association, 870 Greenbrier Circle, Greenbrier Tower II, Suite 404, Chesapeake, VA 23320, http://www.diabetes.org
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
