Obituary of Jack Lee Ford

Jack Lee Ford of Ragland, Al had a rejoiceful Homecoming on February 19, 2023. He was 88. Jack was an amazing man, husband, dad, “Jack Ford”, son and brother. He was born in Ragland on January 30, 1935, the last of six children to Mack and Maudie Ford. He attended Ragland School for twelve years, where he played all sports and was an accomplished athlete. He excelled in basketball and received a scholarship to Pensacola Jr. College. After playing there for two years, he moved back to Ragland where he worked at the Cement Plant for several years. He and his wife moved to Atlanta where he worked at the Chevrolet Plant. Their first child, Genny, was born to them there too. Later, he worked at the GE Plant in Anniston and played semi-pro basketball for the plant. They moved to Birmingham where he worked for Southern Natural Gas Co for 38 years and finished his career there as a District Supervisor. While living in Birmingham, they attended CenterPoint Baptist Church where he became a deacon. While in Birmingham, they had their second child, Todd. Later, they moved to Gadsden, where they had their last two children, Scott, and Eric, and attended Rainbow City First Baptist Church. He served as a deacon there, taught classes, and sang in the choir. Jack was involved in his children’s school activities throughout their attendance at Southside High School. He was president of the PTA for several years, president of the Athletic Club, on the school Board, and president of the Band Boosters. He was loved by all the students at the school and still people from years back ask about him. Jack and Joan loved Alabama football and traveled in their RV across country watching their favorite team. Jack loved to travel and see the beautiful sights along the way. He loved to be outdoors, and his favorite hobby was “piddle” in his garage. He loved raising goats and geese, and he always had a pet dog. He loved gospel and country music and western movies. Jack’s biggest accomplishments were raising his family in a Christian home, his 68-year marriage to his high school sweetheart, Joan, and lastly, being inducted into the St. Clair County Sports Hall of Fame, where he was recognized for holding numerous records in basketball. He cherished his eight grand children and 10 great grandchildren, and he was called “Jack Ford” by all of those. He is preceded in death by his son, Eric Ford; his parents, Mack and Maudie Ford; his siblings, Martha Mae French, Evelyn Layton, Mack Jr. Ford, Betty Wimpee, Marcene Grizzell, Mike Ford; brother-in-law Fabert Davis Jr.; and daughter-in-law, Traci Ford. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan Gail Davis Ford; his children, Genny Ball, Todd (Tricia) Ford, Scott (Kim) Ford, and Pam Ford; his grandchildren, Haley (Walt) Simmons, Jake (Alex) Ball, Katie (Chase) Handy, Jessi (Matt) Bacon, Luke Ford, Ami (Matt) Tooley, Megan Ford, Nic Ford, Aubrey Hamilton and Hunter Hamilton; his great grandchildren, Addison Simmons, Mazely Ball, Tate Simmons, Jax Ball, Slade Handy, Brie Hamilton, Sunni James Bacon, Jud Handy, Aly Handy and Joc Ball. Arrangements are as follows: Viewing will be from 10:00 – 11:00am, and Service at 11:00am at Hardin’s Chapel Bible Church, Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Pallbearers will be Jake Ball, Walt Simmons, Chase Handy, Luke Ford, Nic Ford, and Luke Armstrong. In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital under Jack Lee Ford. Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Pell City is assisting the family.