Forrest Edward Ford

Ford, Forrest Edward, 89, of Midlothian, was peacefully called to heaven surrounded by his loving family Wednesday, December 27, 2023. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest Elmo Ford and Frances Weymouth Ford; sister, Sally Ford Askew; mother-in-law, Ella McGlaughlin Jones; and additional beloved family members Lawton and Mildred Mills; and brother-in-law, Allen Mills. 
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sue Jones Ford; his children, Dana Walmsley, Kelly Ecimovic (John), Lisa Austin, and Scott Ford (Debbie); grandchildren, Holly Shiver (Brandon), Kiel Ecimovic (Holly), Sean Ecimovic (Stephanie), Megan Mortimer (B.J.), Davey Austin (Tracy), Forrest Scott Ford, Jr., Nicholas Walmsley (Makenzie), and Alexander Austin (Alexandria);  great-grandchildren, Carter Kesel, Jackson, Ella and Jade Shiver, Lexa Walmsley, Maverick and Victoria Ecimovic, Bryson and Kynslie Austin, Arabella and Amelia Austin, Preston and Knox Mortimer; his sister, Genevieve Ford Thompson (Ronald); and brother-in-law, JD Mills (Barbara).  
Forrest grew up in Scott's Addition and was a life-long resident of the Richmond area.  He served in both the U.S. Navy and Army, and afterwards was an Officer with the Henrico County police department.  He prioritized his growing family and opted for a career with ITT Continental Baking Company where he served as a Branch Manager for 25 years until retirement in 1989. He loved local history and was an avid relic hunter who meticulously documented and preserved the many Civil War artifacts he had unearthed at his favorite spots with his friend Cooley.  Simply stated, Forrest loved to cut grass and maintained a manicured lawn with intense pride.  He also enjoyed fishing, singing (especially Elvis songs), shooting pool, and could tell you the make and model of any vehicle back in the day without fail. Forrest adored his family and dear friends, and the feeling was always mutual in return. He brought joy and laughter to all, had a quick wit with a story or two to share, and above all else was always a proper gentleman.  
A celebration of Forrest's life will be held at 2 p.m., with a period of visitation an hour prior, on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Poplar Springs Baptist Church, 5270 Charles City Road, Richmond, VA 23231.  Immediately following, please join the family in the Christian Life Center of the church.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the caregivers with Affinity Hospice and Community Hospice House who assisted and were so kind to Forrest during his illness.