John David Ford

John David Ford, age 65, of Seagrove, North Carolina, passed away on April 20, 2025, at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina, surrounded by loving family.

John was welcomed into this world on November 2, 1959, at the 7520th U.S. Air Force Hospital located on South Ruislip Air Station, a non-flying Air Force base near London, England. He was the second of four sons born to Ralph M. Ford Jr. of Virginia, U.S., and Helena Angela (Magee) Ford Gibbs of Kildare, Ireland.

After his father’s honorable completion of military service, the Ford family returned to the United States and lived in various locations between New Castle, Delaware, and Appomattox, Virginia, before settling in Mardela Springs, Wicomico County, Maryland.

While attending Mardela High School (1974–1977), John showcased his athleticism and earned a varsity letter in baseball his senior year, demonstrating his commitment, talent, and love of the sport.

After graduating in 1977, John followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the United States Air Force. After completing Basic Training at Lackland A.F.B. in Texas, he attended Technical School at Chanute A.F.B., Illinois, as a Special Vehicle Repairman.

In 1978, upon completion of training, John received his first (and only) duty assignment at Shaw A.F.B., South Carolina. It was there that a young Airman Ford met and married the love of his life, Airman Shirley A. (Richardson) Ford. When reminiscing about their relationship, John would often say, “I loved her the moment I saw her.”

In 1981, after four years of honorable service, both John and Shirley separated from the Air Force and moved to Shirley’s hometown of Seagrove, North Carolina, where they raised their three children: Melanie, Julia, and Ryan. During this time, John began his career as an Electric Motor Repairman. At different points, he worked for both Piedmont Electric Motor and Leonard Electric Motor Repair in Asheboro, North Carolina, before retiring in 2022.

In remembering our dad, John Ford, he had a rock and roll soul and instilled in us a love for a wide variety of musical genres,from classic country to heavy metal, every song was his favorite song. He enjoyed going to concerts and playing his music as loud as he wanted. He was witty,always ready with a joke or a quick comeback,and he taught us to find the humor in life. He was also a true sports fanatic. We used to joke that there wasn’t a sporting event he wouldn’t watch. No matter what was going on, if his favorite team was playing, that was his cue to head home.

But what we will remember most about our dad was his unwavering love and devotion to his family,especially to our mother, Shirley. Even after her passing in 2018, he always said, “She was the only one for me.” Although we are utterly devastated by the sudden loss of our father, we take comfort in believing that he is by her side once again.

To our father, John Ford,thank you for the conversations, for showing us how to find laughter through the tears, for sharing your favorite songs, and for all the great times we had together. We love and miss you dearly. Keep the party going until we meet again.

Remaining to cherish John’s memory are his daughters, Melanie (Ford) Clark and her husband Matthew Clark of San Antonio, TX; Julia (Ford) Blackmon and her husband Neill Blackmon of Seagrove, NC; his son, Ryan J. Ford and his wife Jasmine Ford of Hickam AFB, HI; and his grandchildren: Ava Aylward, Nathan Blackmon, Ariana Ford, Kimber Clark, Brent Blackmon, Chloe Clark, and Amiyah Ford. He is also survived by his mother, Helena Ford Gibbs of Delmar, MD; and his brothers, Kent Ford of Midland, TX, and Dean Ford of Salisbury, MD.

Preceding John in death are his beloved wife, Shirley Ann (Richardson) Ford; his father, Ralph M. Ford Jr.; and his brother, Glenn Ford.

At the request of the family, no funeral services will be held. However, in keeping with John’s spirit, the family asks that you remember him through his laughter, one of his funny stories, his love, and every once in a while, play a favorite song or two as loud as your ears will allow.